New mobile law...again

[tigers6]

Sorry guys if this has been covered but my search didn't bring me a definitive answer!
Fully aware of the change in december, if we have bluetooth headsets are we going to get done?, or is it at the discretion of the law, or is bluetooth okay.
Alternatively, it means kitting out all of the company, and pool cars with complete handsfree units, and standardising the phones... big expense.
Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks
Gav

[icamm]

As long as you do not have to hold the phone at any point the answer is no.

IE make sure everyone has a dashboard phone holder so all they have to do to answer the phone is reach up push one button (or voice activated answer).

[Puggit]

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3251725.stm for an idiot's guide

My handsfree kit (simple earpiece a la walkman headphones) has a receive button on the microphone.

So to accept calls I don't need to touch the phone - where does this stand?

[Puggit]

Here's a good quote - still perfectly legal to use CB radio!!!

----------------------------
Breaker, breaker... what about CB radio?
Curiously perhaps, two-way radio is not covered by the law, so it's not an offence to have a conversation while driving, using a hand-held CB radio microphone. Two-way radios that double up as mobiles will not be allowed, though.

[tigers6]

That article is just the ticket, thanks.
so a cradle for the phone, and bluetooth headset may well be the answer.
Thanks for the quick replies.
Gav

[Puggit]

Benefit of the BT earpiece is that you can carry it around everywhere else too

I wonder if I can get a BT earpiece to connect to my PC and what it could do?!

[jmorgan]

DTL FAQ link

[Davel]

Just changed my phone and bought bluetooth to stay legal. That's what Vodafone recommended, unless you want a fully fitted hands-free kit.

I never keep my cars for long, so didn't want to go down this route.

[icamm]

Puggit said:

Here's a good quote - still perfectly legal to use CB radio!!! ---------------------------- Breaker, breaker... what about CB radio? Curiously perhaps, two-way radio is not covered by the law, so it's not an offence to have a conversation while driving, using a hand-held CB radio microphone. Two-way radios that double up as mobiles will not be allowed, though.

I suspect that is because these have been around for 20-30 years and not caused anything like the number of accidents as using a mobile phone.

Also, think about how they are used. Microphone held to mouth, button pushed, words spoken, button let go, hand with mike put back on wheel. Listen to other person(s) over loudspeaker built-in to the radio.

Bit like a hands-free kit then apart from the push-to-talk bit.

Unlike most mobile phones which are "held to ear at all times" forcing you to drive one handed and listen carefully to small speaker pressed to ear.

If you have ever tried using both (I grudingly admit to having had a CB before mobile phones were affordable) then you will know the difference.

[DJFish]

I suppose if you run a company you have to take these things into account.

My company has already issued guidlines to the effect of pull over, don't take calls whilst driving and get yourself a hands free.

My dad works for a district council and (typically nanny state) they've banned active phones in cars altogether.

Thing is, they don't really give a toss, just limiting their liability.