Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)
Bengaluru, Oct 2: It is common knowledge that when driving or riding vehicles, mobile phones should not be used as it has been banned by the government. However, many have confusing ideas on the issue of using hands-free, Bluetooth, headphone etc when driving.
As per the Central Motor Vehicles Act, use of hands free, Bluetooth, and headphone when driving or riding is also treated as traffic rule violation. For the first time offenders, fine of Rs 1,000 is levied and Rs 2,000 for the repeat offence.
Representational image
If a rider or driver uses a mobile phone when the vehicle is on the move, his attention is diverted and accidents, injuries, loss to life, property etc can happen. It also results in blocking the other vehicle riders and traffic blockage. For this purpose, use of mobiles when driving is banned.
There are some who keep their mobile phones inside the helmets and converse when riding. Their number has come down now. Nowadays, new electronic tools are introduced one after the other and people use equipment along with mobile phones. Many converse using hands free, Bluetooth, headphone or wrist watches when riding. Using of music, navigation apparatus etc is also illegal.
The said act simply says that use of mobile phones is barred. The aim is to ensure that the rider or driver concentrates on road and driving. The officials say that use of electronic equipment, music, navigation by holding the mobile phone in hand etc also can divert attention and that is why their usage attracts fine. Even though navigation use when driving is banned as per law, in case its use cannot be avoided, they can be attached to vehicles and used so that it does not create problems for the others. If the noise is kept at a low level, the officials are exempting such devices. However, if they are hand held and the sound is increased such violations attract fines.
Joint police commissioner (traffic), Dr B R Ravikanthe Gowda, said that use of hands free, Bluetooth, headphone, smart watches, conversing, hearing of music etc when driving are violations of traffic rules and therefore fined.