http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/3251725.stm

In three weeks a new law will come into force banning drivers from using mobile phones while at the wheel. Only it's not quite as straightforward as that...
Traffic police are going to have their work cut out come 1 December, when new laws come into effect clamping down on drivers using mobile phones.

A quarter of drivers who know about the law will ignore it, according to research by a mobile headset manufacturer, Jabra. The same survey found 40% of motorists were unaware of the new legislation, which is designed to promote safety on the road.

On top of that, among those that are aware, there is widespread confusion about what exactly is outlawed.

Initially, the government had sought a blanket ban on all drivers using mobiles. Then it seemed to opt for an exception that would allow factory-fitted hands-free sets.

The final legislation is more relaxed, but that has led to claims it is too confusing. So here, we answer 10 questions about what you will and will not be allowed to do while driving.

Can I use my ordinary mobile handset?
"Hand-held" is the watchword in the new regulations. If you need to hold your mobile handset then you will be in breach of the new law and liable for a 30 on the spot fine.

What about hands-free kit?
Using hands-free equipment will not be an exception, if you still have to hold the mobile handset to dial a number or even just to press the "receive call" button when someone is ringing you.

So I have to get a factory fitted mobile?
No, a cradle that holds your mobile and is fixed to the dashboard will do the job. You will need a hands-free kit to continue the conversation, such as an earpiece and microphone or a Bluetooth headset. Interactive PDAs and navigation aids will also need cradles.

What if I cradle the phone on my shoulder?
Propping a mobile between your shoulder and chin will not be tolerated since you will still seen as holding the phone, albeit not with your hands.

What about texting?
Texting is also out, although it seems tapping out a text would be allowed if the phone remained fixed in a cradle. But this is likely to fall foul of the existing rules that you must drive with due care and attention.

So do I have to switch my phone off?
No. Phones can be left on in a car, but, unless you have hands-free kit, if you are driving when it rings you must ignore it or pull in and park safely before answering it.

What if I'm waiting at traffic lights?
You are still considered to be driving. The same goes for if you are stuck in a traffic jam. In really bad snarl ups, however, you would clearly not thought to be driving if your engine was turned off.

What about an emergency call?
There is an exemption for 999/112 calls to the emergency services where it is unsafe or impractical to stop.

I've got to use a phone for my job
Not good enough. You will still be liable for a penalty. If your boss has insisted you take calls while driving he or she could also be breaking the law.

Breaker, breaker... what about CB radio?
Curiously perhaps, two-way radio is not covered by the law, so it's not an offence to have a conversation while driving, using a hand-held CB radio microphone. Two-way radios that double up as mobiles will not be allowed, though.

Do you know which listed company or companies that will benefit from this
new law.
What about Toad?

Perhaps Just Car Clinics could fit the hands free kits.

What can you do while driving?

"A woman has been fined after being caught on camera applying make-up while driving. So what can you do while at the wheel?
...
Driving while holding a mobile phone is a specific offence and is automatically punishable with a 30 fine. This will soon increase to 60 and three penalty points on a licence when the Road Safety Bill becomes law within the next few months.
...
The average driver risks being pulled over by the police 10 times each week for a range of motoring offences, according to a recent survey by Churchill Car Insurance.
..."

I suppose we'll just have to turn them off when we get into the car and back on
when we get out!

Perhaps we should just get rid of them completely - that way we will not have to answer them
when we drive! Not sure the phone co would appreciatie that!

Can you eat an apple when you are driving?

A woman was prosecuted for drinking from a bottle of mineral water while sat at traffic lights and not moving.

Haystack !

In the same article ...

" ... When it comes to things like eating, smoking, applying make-up, map reading and tuning in the car stereo, they are not against the law but drivers can be charged with careless driving or not being in proper control of their vehicle...."

Why can anyone be changed for not breaking the law!

A mindfield of confusion. Causes for resentment and bitterness for those who believe they have been wronged. Not good. Laws need to be seen to be clear and fair in definition and application.

"A woman was prosecuted for drinking from a bottle of mineral water while sat at traffic lights and not moving."

The police claimed she was not in full control of the vehicle and not paying sufficient attention. Are you allowed to change channel on your radio or look for a tissue to blow your nose?

i was parked on yellow lines ,copper stopped and said why was i parked on them i walked over to his car and took a pic of his with phone and asked him why was he parked on a bus stop ...should of seen his face he mumbled away then drove off im all for police but its getting out of control see a motorist they try to fine u for something ,report a crime they ent got time to attend ......... imho