Mobile operation and the law.After listening to much debate about the legal standpoint on mobile operation in relation to
the mobile phone law I have decided to research the laws and put 'fingers to keyboard'
to try and clarify the situation.
This page deals with UK law. If you are not in the UK please check locally for the laws that apply.
Firstly, let's take a look at the 'using a mobile phone whilst driving legislation':
The law (external link to Office of Public Sector Information) specifically excludes two way radios: 'other than a two-way radio', i.e. amateur radio transceivers. So it would seem that all is well and you can use your radio whilst driving. Not necessarily!
If you are stopped by an officer of the law because you were 'using a mobile phone' a polite word pointing out that it is not a mobile phone can reap good rewards, especially if your driving was impeccable at the time.
Some people advise against pointing out that it's not a phone to the officer only bringing up that fact in court. This course of action could lead to a charge of 'wasting police time' as mentioning the fact that it is a two way radio at the time of the 'offence' could have saved a lot of time, paperwork and a court appearance for the officer. Maximum penalty for wasting police time is (at time of writing) six months' imprisonment and/or a level 4 fine (£2,500) and, of course, a criminal record.
If, however, the officer stops you because, in his professional opinion, you were driving 'carelessly', 'without due consideration' or 'dangerously', because of using the radio (or phone), even if you are using one of the commercially available hands free kits, you could be charged with that offence.
Penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.
Arguing that the radio is excluded from the mobile phone legislation will have no bearing on the case. 'Careless driving', 'driving without due consideration' or 'dangerous driving' are just that and your defence that the radio is not a mobile phone could actually prove the case for the prosecution, showing that you were doing something else rather than concentrating on your driving!