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New Zealand’s Upcoming Ban on Mobiles While Driving to Include Ban on GPS Navigation

Categories: Random
By: , IntoMobile
Sunday, September 27th, 2009 at 12:44 PM

new-zealand-cell-ban-drivingIn just another sign of the times, New Zealand’s Transport Ministry has clarified terms on a new ban on mobile phones while driving. Starting in November, the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel will be strictly prohibited, along with the use of any GPS navigation systems from a mobile device. If you enjoy using your GPS-enabled cellphone to help you navigate… Looks like you’re going to be out of luck shortly, at least in New Zealand.

Before anyone gets up in a tizzy, here are some important points to consider:

  • You can use a mobile phone while driving as long as its held in a cradle… and you can only use it to make, receive or end a call.
  • Use of GPS navigation on any mobile phone in any way is prohibited.
  • Navigation systems with no mobile phone functionality will remain ‘all good’ for use.
  • Reading or composing of email and texts will be banned.

With November fast approaching, folks in New Zealand will no doubt have to adjust their mobile phone habits while behind the wheel. My suggestion? Put your phone in silent mode, and leave it out-of-reach. When driving you should be driving. Nothing else.

[Via: Stuff.co.nz]

About The Author

James Falconer

James was born and raised in Winnipeg, Canada. Almost 15 years ago he started out in the 'real world' as a web and graphic designer. Through the years he has finely tuned his skills in SEO, internet marketing, conversion strategy, and project management. To date, he runs his own successful consulting business where he advises companies all over the globe. A co-founder of www.crackberry.com, and sole proprietor of www.mactropolis.com, James in recent years has become very active in the tech blogosphere. Online community building and strategy is fast becoming one of his passions. Watch for James' no frills attitude, unique perspective and to-the-point comments here on IntoMobile!

  • crosis

    While I agree with the general intent of the law, I think the reporter is being a little over zealous. Silent mode and out of reach??? Does he gag and bind kids and passengers and stick them in the boot while driving? Does he never listen to music or the radio? Has he truly never used his cell phone in the car without pulling over? There are a million distractions on the road but the bigger risk is still drunk drivers and speeding and again we have never come down as hard as banning it in the way we are with phones.

  • Peter England

    Can anyone tell me if I take the sim card out i.e disable the mobile phone, and then use the GPS function in a car, is it still illegal? Also if I have it on voice direction only with the phone in my pocket and headphone, which I do on my motorbike is that illegal? Where can I get clarification?

  • Neil

    I have the ask the obvious – how is using GPS navigation on a mounted mobile phone is idfferent from using a dedicated GPS navigator ? It sounds retarted if you ask me!

  • Snidely

    Someone in NZ should investigate whether the Sat Nav companies have been donating to the politicians involved. This smells badly of an industry (sat nav) trying to push out the competition (mobile phones). Neil is right – there’s no difference between a standalone Sat Nav and a mobile phone running sat nav.

  • Carl

    Sounds like the reporter was just tripping over himself. Using a mobile phone’s SatNav is sweet as, as long as the thing is in a cradle.

    The wording of the draft Clause 7.3A basically just states you can’t use more than one finger to touch a mobile device while the vehicle isn’t parked except in the case of an emergency call where stopping isn’t practical.

    Most Kiwi’s would find that agreeable, although I’m sure lots of people will ignore the regulation anyway. I’ve seen people txting away on one hand with their Telecom mobile, with their other hand on their Vodafone mobile, and using their wrists to steer before.

  • shonal kumar

    my name is shonal kumar and i think it should be banned because so many people die. so many innocent people can die or get injured for no reson