New Mobile Phone Penalties Affect SatNav Use Too

andyuk99 · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 5:22 pm Post subject:

http://think.direct.gov.uk/mobile-phones.html

from the above link ... "follow a map ...." Shocked

EDIT:(clarity, I assume while holding the dam thing... I suppose that stops the 'I was only following a map not on a call)

The law

It's illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving. This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
It is also illegal to use a handheld phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver.
You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving, you’ll get 6 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £200. Points on your licence will result in higher insurance costs.
If you get just 6 points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence.
Using hands free (e.g. for navigation) is not illegal. However, if this distracts you and affects your ability to drive safely, you can still be prosecuted by the police.

Stand-Offish · Occasional Visitor Joined: Feb 16, 2008 Posts: 7

Sat navs should not respond to any 'touches' when they are in motion.
And they KNOW when they are in motion.

A notification symbol should appear on the screen. Anyone with a device not showing the symbol should have it confiscated.
Dedicated GPS could retro programme if the feature is absent.
Phone apps would have the feature or not work.

Obviously the police can't know whether someone is one touching or reprogramming whilst in motion (clearly dangerous). So they have a blanket ban.

I use my phone as a GPS in a mount and don't touch it while driving, if the phone rings, I press the end of the 'media' stalk on the steering wheel and talk hands-free.

We all press buttons whilst in motion, but we shouldn't fiddle with things.

cornz · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 9:51 pm Post subject:

sussamb · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:51 pm Post subject:

sussamb · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:52 pm Post subject:

sussamb · Posted: Fri Mar 03, 2017 10:57 pm Post subject:

AlandEi · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 12:34 pm Post subject:

I have been toying with the idea of using my iPad Mini 2 (7.9" screen") with a navigation app to replace my dying Tom Tom. I would mount this on the visor as at 5" deep in landscape mode, is the same depth as the visor in my car.

This is not the sim card model, so unable to make calls out unless tethered to my phone for internet calls, so I would have the choice of using offline still allowing me camera alerts but no live traffic, or tethered for the live traffic.

I would be extremely grateful to know members views as to the possible legality of this setup, particularly if not tethered

Alan.
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Tom Tom Go 520 - Map UK ROI 720.1803 Navcore_8.204.9718.go40 - ( Loquendo TTS7 ) / RDS-TMC /Tyre... purchased the Go mainly for the itinerary feature

sussamb · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 1:30 pm Post subject:

Either way it (the device) is not capable of transmitting and receiving data, so does not come under the legislation. You're using it simply as a satnav, so the same rules as apply to satnavs apply.

I'm not sure though I'd want it mounted on my visor, trying to switch my eyes focus to something that close and then back to the road wouldn't be good in my view. Maybe something like this would be better:

http://stephencreek.com/gpsreview/tablet/upperdezl.jpg
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Where there's a will ... there's a way.

MrGumby · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 1:44 pm Post subject:

AlandEi · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 2:09 pm Post subject:

Thank you both for your very quick replies, and the one concerning the legality that I hoped for sussamb. As routes would be planned, saved and loaded at home, no further interaction with the touchscreen should be necessary once the journey had started.

The reason I considered the visor mount was because rear view cameras often use that option. I used to have one fitted in a camper van always on, with the screen on the visor when I towed a trailer as the camper was wider, and I glanced occasionally to check that all was well. as well as useful when reversing.
I only occasionally have a quick glance at my current sat nav to the right of the steering wheel, rather using the spoken directions in unfamiliar territory, and of course warning sounds for cameras.
Though I do of course take your welcome comments on board and will investigate the possibility of an alternative mount... many thanks again.

Regards... Alan.
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Tom Tom Go 520 - Map UK ROI 720.1803 Navcore_8.204.9718.go40 - ( Loquendo TTS7 ) / RDS-TMC /Tyre... purchased the Go mainly for the itinerary feature

AlandEi · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 2:20 pm Post subject:

I was not thinking of this particular method by the way, I could not believe my eyes Sad

https://youtu.be/Gpy-UhmWsOI

CRAZY STUPID AND VERY DANGEROUS ! ! !

Reminds me of a post I read elsewhere when a guy said "since I bought my sat nav I no longer have a problem with foggy conditions... I just follow the road on the sat nav " ! Rolling Eyes

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Tom Tom Go 520 - Map UK ROI 720.1803 Navcore_8.204.9718.go40 - ( Loquendo TTS7 ) / RDS-TMC /Tyre... purchased the Go mainly for the itinerary feature

M8TJT · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 3:02 pm Post subject:

Snudge · Posted: Sat Mar 04, 2017 8:24 pm Post subject:

He did say it took a bit of getting used to ........ Wink

stuart · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 11:16 am Post subject:

No one has mentioned the use of Smart Watches (Apple Watch) yet....
Any views on this please.
Driving

Snudge · Posted: Sun Mar 05, 2017 11:33 am Post subject:

I think 'smart watches' may have a place here - they would show the increased heart rate after you have a near miss because you were using a hand-held phone.

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