what are the laws concerning hands free phones?

SexyGreyFox · 15 Apr 2011 at 21:51

Sitting in a pub in aldershot discussing this.
Is there anytime with phone or external device where pressing a button and talking is allowed in cars While driving?
What are the illegal areas and legal areas?

arknor · 15 Apr 2011 at 21:52

press the button on your satnav , talk to the person in the seat next to you.

SexyGreyFox · 15 Apr 2011 at 21:59

arknor said:
press the button on your satnav , talk to the person in the seat next to you.

I need proper answers please

Steve2000 · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:02

I don't quite get the question, are you asking if it is legal to talk via hands-free whilst driving?

Castiel · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:04

You can use hands free sets where you press a button to answer.

We fit out buses with Radios that are operated by either a foot button or one on the dash.

I'm not sure really what you are asking specifically?

r2d2 · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:05

Legally you are only allowed to use handsfree/Bluetooth if the phone is in a cradle attacked to the car. Basically the phone can't be in your pocket or hand etc.

arknor · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:05

only handheld phones are not allowed to be used while driving in the UK

SexyGreyFox · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:36

Posting while drunk from an sgs.
I'm sure I heard that no phones Inc hands free weren't allowed.
Obviously I hope I'm wrong.
So if my sgs is fitted to the dash and the phone rings and I use a one button press to answer I can now legally talk?

r2d2 · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:40

dmpoole said:
Posting while drunk from an sgs.
I'm sure I heard that no phones Inc hands free weren't allowed.
Obviously I hope I'm wrong.
So if my sgs is fitted to the dash and the phone rings and I use a one button press to answer I can now legally talk?

If it's attached to dash physically via cradle etc it's allowed.

I attended a speed awareness course and was told this.

233 · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:45

interestingly enough you can legally use a two way cb style radio for as long as you like but you cant use a mobile phone

SexyGreyFox · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:45

Thanks everybody, i lost

joemo13 · 15 Apr 2011 at 22:56

Can you use a mobile phone if stationary in traffic?

Alpherah · 15 Apr 2011 at 23:00

joemo13 said:
Can you use a mobile phone if stationary in traffic?

Technically its an offence to use a mobile phone with the Engine on, but no cops take it to this extreme.

Rroff · 15 Apr 2011 at 23:02

joemo13 said:
Can you use a mobile phone if stationary in traffic?

Alpherah said:
Technically its an offence to use a mobile phone with the Engine on, but no cops take it to this extreme.

For whatever its worth, I remember seeing them pulling people in cop shows for using a phone while stopped in traffic with engine running more than once.

Werewolf · 16 Apr 2011 at 03:34

Rroff said:
For whatever its worth, I remember seeing them pulling people in cop shows for using a phone while stopped in traffic with engine running more than once.

I think the key bit there, is "in traffic".

IIRC the law requires you to pull over and turn the engine off.
However it would be a pretty harsh cop who did you for it whilst you were pulled over and obviously parked, but without the engine off (as opposed to engine running at a red light...).

breadturbo · 16 Apr 2011 at 05:19

ive got the bluetooth handsfree radio jobby standard in my fiat scudo, been seen a bunch of times using it by the fuzz never been pulled by them.

Wicksta · 16 Apr 2011 at 06:52

It should be against the law to post a thread on a forum using your mobile while in the pub with your mates, sad gits!

thepeganator · 16 Apr 2011 at 22:31

joemo13 said:
Can you use a mobile phone if stationary in traffic?

Werewolf said:
I think the key bit there, is "in traffic".

IIRC the law requires you to pull over and turn the engine off.
However it would be a pretty harsh cop who did you for it whilst you were pulled over and obviously parked, but without the engine off (as opposed to engine running at a red light...).

My cousin got done for it.

On the motorway, was sat still for over 20 minutes without moving, sent a text home saying she would be late.
Didn't see she had a marked police car behind her, who flashed her over and gave her £60+3 points.

Gaijin · 17 Apr 2011 at 01:59

I think its really harsh when that happens. If someone has pulled over to take a call then I'll bet 9/10 that they simply didn't know the full extent of the law.

In my book that deserves a caution and not points and a fine.

Mucky_Pup · 17 Apr 2011 at 09:25

r2d2 said:
Legally you are only allowed to use handsfree/Bluetooth if the phone is in a cradle attacked to the car. Basically the phone can't be in your pocket or hand etc.

Being in your pocket makes no sense whatsoever.