Police have caught nearly 700 motorists illegally using handheld mobile phones, and nearly 400 motorists speeding in school zones, in a 24-hour crackdown on traffic offences.
Yesterday (Wednesday, February 13, 2013), officers across the state conducted Operation Compliance 1 – a day-long, state-wide, traffic enforcement operation aimed at getting dangerous drivers off NSW roads.
Police targeted motorists using mobile phones, speeding in school zones and not stopping at children’s crossings during the operation.
A total of 1158 motorists were caught committing driving offences, more than half of them for illegal mobile phone use.Key results from the operation were:
- 688 motorists caught using handheld mobile devices while driving;
- 391 motorists booked for speeding in school zones;
- 79 motorists booked for failing to stop at children’s crossings.
Operations Commander of the Traffic and Highway Patrol, Superintendent Stuart Smith, said police continue to be frustrated by the small percentage of motorists who continue to risk their own lives, and the lives of others, by using a handheld phone while driving.
“Using a mobile handset while in control of a vehicle is not only illegal, it is highly irresponsible and very dangerous,” Supt Smith said.
“Yesterday’s operation highlights that far too many motorists are continuing to distract themselves with mobile phones when they should be focusing their entire attention on the road around them.”
Supt Smith was equally appalled by the number of motorists caught speeding in school zones.
“Speeding remains the biggest killer on NSW roads,” Superintendent Smith said.
“Speeding on any stretch of road is inexcusable, let alone in a school zone.
“School zones are in place to keep our children safe. Every time an irresponsible motorist breaks the 40km/h school zone speed limit, they put children’s lives at risk.”
Laws regarding in-vehicle mobile phone use
Laws regarding in-vehicle mobile phone use
Laws regarding in-vehicle mobile phone use
Laws regarding in-vehicle mobile phone were amended on 1 November 2012. The new laws make it clear that motorists can only use a mobile phone while driving if the phone:
Is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle, or;
Can be operated by the driver without touching any part of the phone – for example, through the use of Bluetooth technology.
Provided the phone is mounted in a commercially-designed and manufactured cradle, fully licensed drivers can press buttons on the phone for the purpose of:
- Making a call;
- Playing music, or;
- Using GPS.
This is NOT the case for Learner and Provisional motorists who are NOT permitted to use any function of the mobile phone while driving or riding.
The new laws make it clear that a driver cannot hold a phone in his or her hand, other than to pass it to a passenger.
Furthermore, under the new laws, drivers cannot rest mobile phones on their legs or hold it between their shoulder and ear.
Texting while driving, whether the phone is mounted or not, remains illegal.