In 2009 it was made illegal to use a handheld mobile while driving. Vodafone supports the change and is encouraging drivers to be safe and to do the right thing.
The safest option is to turn your mobile off, let calls go to voice messaging and pick up your TXTs and voicemails when you've stopped driving. If it's important, find a safe place to pull over and park.
Under the new law you are allowed to make a call using a hands-free kit. But remember, the mental distraction of a hands-free conversation is still a hazard. Reduce this by keeping calls short, keeping the conversation simple and using hands-free only when driving conditions are suitable.
You can find out more about hands-free solutions at your local Vodafone store or our online shop.
See the New Zealand Transport Agency's information on the
full details of the new Rule:
NZTA
Road user rule information
The key points of the law change are to outlaw all hand-held mobile phone use while driving. The change also outlaws all mobile use which requires the driver to manipulate or look at the phone more than infrequently or briefly.
This means you cannot use a mobile to send or read electronic messages, including TXTs and emails.
The law allows drivers to use their phone for calling, providing EITHER
The law allows drivers to use the satellite navigation and music features of their mobile phone while driving, provided the phone is mounted in the vehicle and is only manipulated and looked at infrequently and briefly. Phones and satellite navigation systems should always be programmed while the vehicle is stationary, as doing so in a moving vehicle is a potential distraction.
