Is It OK To Use Hands-free When Driving?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Although

it's not against the law to use a hands-free phone while

, research reveals they're just as distracting.

Is handsfree in car illegal?

Using your phone's speaker

in a call is completely legal

. … As you are still in control of your car at a red light, the only way you can legally use a phone is with a hands-free kit. The same applies when queuing in traffic and supervising a learner driver from the passenger seat.

Is it legal to use handsfree in a car?

With cell phones and other mobile devices becoming increasingly prevalent in daily life, many states have made it illegal for drivers to talk or text using a handheld cell phone or other device. However,

there are no laws that prohibit a driver from using hands-free devices

, such as Bluetooth.

What does the hands-free law include?


Ban on Handheld Cell Phones

California's law banning all drivers from using handheld cellphones while driving doesn't affect passengers—they are free to use cellphones while traveling in an automobile. The law applies to anyone driving in California, whether the driver lives in California or not.

Are car phone holders legal?


Yes

. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver's view of the road.

Can I touch my sat nav while driving?

Yes, it's legal to use your phone as a sat nav, as long as it has secure, hands-free access and it does not block your view of the road or traffic ahead. …

It is illegal to touch and hold your phone while driving

, when stopped at traffic lights, when queuing in traffic, or supervising a learner.

What does hands-free mean in a car?

In the car, it lets you operate a mobile phone “hands-free,” meaning

you don't have to hold the device while making or taking a call or performing such functions as accessing the phone's address book

. (Of course, you have to use your hands to operate certain Bluetooth features via the vehicle's controls.)

Can you talk on Bluetooth while driving?

Talking on the phone while driving has been illegal in India for many years now. However, since the official rule does not state anything about Bluetooth or handsfree devices, most motorists use that while driving to talk on the phone.

Is talking on Bluetooth while driving illegal?

No matter which means they use, conversations during driving can lead to accidents, the Motor Vehicle Department opined.

The police are unable to detect speaking via Bluetooth as the drivers are wearing masks now

. Checking is carried out only if the drivers are spotted talking via Bluetooth or on phone.

Is driving barefoot illegal?

While

it is not illegal to drive barefoot

, it is formally considered unsafe. Some believe a driver may have more control over the car when driving barefoot than with some shoes. Though barefoot driving is not illegal, local regulations could prohibit it. While not illegal, barefoot driving is not encouraged.

How many states have hands-free laws?

According to the National Conference of State Legislators (NCSL), as of May 2019, there are

28 states

that have some form of hands-free driving laws in the United States, including some that have special caveats.

When can a hands-free device be used when driving?


Motorists 18 and over

may use a “hands-free device.” The second law prohibits all drivers from texting while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23123.5). The third law prohibits drivers under the age of 18 from using a wireless telephone or hands-free device while operating a motor vehicle (VC §23124).

Is it illegal to drive with your phone on speaker?

Using your cell phone while driving is not only dangerous, but also

illegal

. In California, you cannot use a cell phone or similar electronic communication device while holding it in your hand. You can only use it in a hands-free manner, such as speaker phone or voice commands, but never while holding it.

Is it illegal to have phone on windscreen?

Mounting a phone in a device mount on the

windscreen has not currently been explicitly banned

. So a hands-free device can be used, but there are restrictions and rules to follow, such as it being of sound construction and not being in a distracting location.

Is it illegal to put sat nav on windscreen?


There is no specific law regarding the placement of a sat nav

or phone holder but, as mentioned above, road traffic laws make it an offence to drive in a position where your view of the road or traffic ahead is obstructed. The best place to mount your sat nav is in the bottom right-hand corner of your windscreen.

David Evans
Author
David Evans
David is a seasoned automotive enthusiast. He is a graduate of Mechanical Engineering and has a passion for all things related to cars and vehicles. With his extensive knowledge of cars and other vehicles, David is an authority in the industry.