Transport Department - Your car is not a phone booth...

A new law

To enhance road safety, a new law has been introduced to ban the use of hand-held mobile phones or similar telecommunications equipment by drivers while vehicles are in motion.

Since July 1, 2000, motorists have been prohibited from using hand-held mobile phones, or holding phones between the head and shoulder, whether communicating or not, while their vehicles are in motion.

From July 1, 2001, the use of hand-held telecommunications equipment, including mobile phones, by drivers while vehicles are in motion is prohibited.

Why is it needed ?

Using a mobile phone while driving distracts drivers and affects driving performance, in particular reaction time in emergency or unexpected situations.

For safety's sake, keep your hands on the steering wheel. Don't phone and drive.

Penalty

A breach of the new law can lead to a maximum fine of $2,000.

Safety tips

Do not use hand-held mobile phones or other hand-held telecommunications equipment while driving.

If you need to make a call or answer by using a hand-held mobile phone or other hand-held telecommunications equipment, stop at a safe place or ask a passenger to make a call or answer the phone for you.

Motorists who have a real need to use hand-held mobile phones or other telecommunications equipment while driving should install a hands-free kit in their vehicles.

This leaflet is a general guide only. The relevant legislation is set out in regulation 42(1) (g) of the Road Traffic (Traffic Control) Regulations (Cap. 374 sub. leg.).

Q & A

Road Safety Council

	To enhance road safety, a new law has been introduced to ban the use of hand-held mobile phones or similar telecommunications equipment by drivers while vehicles are in motion.
	Since July 1, 2000, motorists have been prohibited from using hand-held mobile phones, or holding phones between the head and shoulder, whether communicating or not, while their vehicles are in motion.
	From July 1, 2001, the use of hand-held telecommunications equipment, including mobile phones, by drivers while vehicles are in motion is prohibited.

	Using a mobile phone while driving distracts drivers and affects driving performance, in particular reaction time in emergency or unexpected situations.
	For safety's sake, keep your hands on the steering wheel. Don't phone and drive.

	Do not use hand-held mobile phones or other hand-held telecommunications equipment while driving.
	If you need to make a call or answer by using a hand-held mobile phone or other hand-held telecommunications equipment, stop at a safe place or ask a passenger to make a call or answer the phone for you.
	Motorists who have a real need to use hand-held mobile phones or other telecommunications equipment while driving should install a hands-free kit in their vehicles.