In Car

Hands Free Legislation Changes:

Since 1 December 2003 it is an offence to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving a motor vehicle. As you are probably aware the government has been planning to toughen the Hands Free Legislation for over a year and the Road Safety Bill which incorporates the new legislation is due to be passed in the first quarter of this year. The changes will increase the fine from a £30 fixed penalty up to £60 for car drivers. More importantly the driver will also receive 3 penalty points on their license putting using a mobile whilst driving on a par with speeding.

An important misunderstanding with the legislation is that it restricts drivers making phone calls whilst driving. The hands free legislation actually states it is illegal to interact with any mobile device whilst driving unless it is in a cradle. This would include dialing a number and sending a text so professionally fitted car kits are now more important than ever.

Obviously, as we specialise in corporate contracts it is particularly important to be aware of employer and employee liability. The Department for Transport considers that employers would not be liable just because they supplied a telephone or because they phoned an employee who was driving. However, employers would probably be liable if they required their employees to use a hand-held phone while driving and might also be liable if they failed to forbid employees to use such phones on company business.

Our standing pricing for a fully installed professionally fitted car kit is £230, this prices increases to £250 if the vehicle already has an existing kit.

If you require any more information or any quotes on installations for your company, please do not hesitate to contact us.