Using mobile phones and visual display units
Mobile phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, except to make or receive a phone call or to use its audio/music functions provided the phone:
- is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle,or
- can be operated by the driver without touching any part of the body of the phone.
Using a phone as a GPS while driving is prohibited unless it is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle.
All other functions (including video calls, texting and emailing) are prohibited.
Learner and P1 drivers, are prohibited from using a mobile phone at all while driving.
Holding the phone (whether or not engaged in a phone call) is also prohibited. Holding includes resting the mobile on the driver's lap.
Visual display units
A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or a visual display unit operating if any part of the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.
A driver can use a driver's aid such as a navigation device but it must be an integrated part of the vehicle design, or secured in a commercially designed holder, which is fixed to the vehicle.
Exemptions
The rule relating to securing visual display units does not apply to motorcycles.
Road safety reasons
Using a mobile phone or a visual display unit as you drive is distracting and creates dangerous situations that could be fatal.
The risk of being involved in a crash increases by as much as four times, when using a mobile phone as you drive, and if you are texting the risk of crashing increases to 20 times.
Click here to see the Frequently Asked Questions.
Information on the new road safety rules and using mobile phones and visual display units is also available in the following languages
