Use of Hand-held Telecommunications Device while Driving Banned from July

Motorists are reminded that with effect from July 1, 2001, the use of hand-held telecommunications equipment while vehicles are in motion will be prohibited by law.

The ban marks the end of the one-year grace period since the prohibition of the use of hand-held mobile phone while driving last year.

Speaking at a press conference today (June 27) the Engineer of Road Safety and Standards Division, Transport Department (TD), Miss Lo Lai-yee said following the end of the grace period, hand-held telecommunications equipment including radio phones, walkie talkies and public address systems commonly used by drivers of taxis, coaches and other commercial vehicles would be prohibited for use while driving.

"Using a telecommunications equipment while driving distracts drivers' attention and affects driving performance, in particular reaction time in emergency or unexpected situations.

"For safety's sake, motorists are always advised to keep their hands on the steering wheel," Miss Lo stressed.

She said the administration did realize that for business reasons, some motorists had to use telecommunications equipment while driving.

"To strike a balance, motorists should convert their existing hand-held installations to hands-free types.

"To give more time for the transport trade to comply with the law, a one-year grace period was given when the new legislation was enacted on July 1, 2000," Miss Lo added.

To step up publicity, TD has printed a number of posters and leaflets for distribution at the TD Headquarters and Licensing offices, District Offices of the Home Affairs Department and fuel-filling stations. Letters have also been sent by TD to the relevant trades asking for their co-operation to comply with the regulation.

According to the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations, offenders will be subject to a maximum fine of $2,000 upon conviction.

End/Wednesday, June 27, 2001