More Police harrasment

Ok, so does anyone know exacly what the situation is about mobile phone use when driving. I know I am not allowed to hold it to my ear , but is an ear piece allowed etc?
My employer has advised me that as I have a company phone I must make sure that I use it within the law, not that the tart in HR who has ferrets in the back of her trousers could tell me exactly what the law is.

Might be of help

http://www.ukdoc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=542

Actually just read that thread (or most of it) and it probably won't be of help.

Ear piece, prolly technically illegal because you have to take your hands off the wheel to answer it. Like changing gear....

Thanks Martin, the thread started off good, 1st post ok, then went off topic for 3 pages....... and I'll make sure I do not scratch my ears while at the wheel.

But seriously, I have an earpiece which when connected to my phone it answers after 1 ring, Is that legel?

also I drive an automatic for daily use, so I'm ok on changing gears.

This just sums it all up for me, all too vague !
and so "exacly what is the situation ". I camt even find the answers on the DoT site.

I'm just guessing.... turn it off and don't use it is the only sure safe option. Might as well remove all other distractions, rip the Radio and CD player out, don't carry passengers who can talk and don't drive on a sunny day when tarts are out in short skirts and cropped tops.

My understanding is that hands-free (including blue tooth etc) is still legal, however it's probably best to check a new copy of the Highway Code. (Just take a look at it when you're next in a book shop )

The interesting thing is that I've yet to know of a company that will advocate any hands-free device, and most now have sections issued by HSE telling you simply to switch the phone off when you're in the car. I guess that they're now too scared of litigation - "they expected me to use hands-free when I was driving so as to be able to answer business calls" could be a very damning comment if someone did have an accident!

must be in some sort of holder too you must not hold it in your hand or it be loose in the car as I understand it.

Si

In reality Simon, the only way you are going to get caught and stopped is if you have the handset up to your ear. All other methods are virtually invisible and will go unnoticed.

At last , the voice of reason .You will only get done if you're stupid , unless it's unmarked you can usually spot them before they spot you If not ,you're not paying due care and attention anyways It's the law ,you're not going to change it ,those days are long gone ..................

Yes indeed. There are so few dedicated traffic cars these days and so many speed cameras its even less likely. The avergage police officer out and about has more to worry about than motoring offences unless they are blatantly dangerous. Even bored ones go for (no) seat belts (a suprisingly good indication of lack of insurance, and/or driving licence or MOT), blatant use of mobile phones, contravening white lines and obvious vehicle defects (such as lights).
There are very very few out there looking for motorists with ear pieces in who may or may not be dialling with a finger......unless they are doing it whilst weaving down the road in front of a police vehicle! (and there will be a few)

In that case I may as well continue with my current hands free mechanism.

1 hand on the wheel, and 1 hand is free because I drive an automatic.