Police: How we'll enforce phone law

Drivers will get a 'bedding in' period, but not for dangerous texting. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Police will be using their discretion as motorists adjust to the pending law that bans use of handheld cellphones while driving.

From Sunday, motorists must have a handsfree device if they want to use their mobile phone. If they're caught using it without one, they face an $80 fine and 20 demerit points.

National road policing manager Superintendent Paula Rose said staff had been told that a period to allow the "bedding in" of the legislation was appropriate.

"From an enforcement perspective we've told our staff to exercise their professional judgment.

"That means exactly what it means - some people may not have caught up that you can't do it.

"Our people are the best people to make a decision at the side of the road because all circumstances and levels of risk are different."

Motorists shouldn't take that to mean there was a free-ride period. Examples of "dangerous texting" wouldn't be tolerated, she said.

Ms Rose doesn't answer the phone when she's driving. Instead she puts it in the boot, so if it does ring, she can't get to it to take the call.

She said she was excited about the new law because New Zealanders might think more about driving safely.

"In policing we've seen some really stupid things - people getting changed, putting their makeup on, eating their breakfast.

"A lot of people think driving's easy but it's not. You only have one life and while you might be able to juggle a few tasks and get away with it for a while, we've unfortunately seen many who haven't."

Retailers are reporting strong demand for handsfree devices.

Queen St Bond & Bond said yesterday the store had almost sold out, as demand had shot up in the past month.

Jeremy Richards sells bluetooth kits costing between $99 and $159.

He said companies had been the big movers over the past couple of months, installing the devices in their fleets.

Individuals had been slower on the uptake.

"They've been putting it off, and it may mean some will have to learn the hard way."

But the Automobile Association believes motorists may be buying a false sense of security.

Road safety spokesman Mike Noon said the best way to drive with a cellphone was to turn it off.

"It's the conversation that's the distraction. It is very bad advice to be talking on the phone while driving because you're not scanning ahead, you're not concentrating fully on the conditions and what is happening around you.

"The AA is quite concerned that many are rushing out putting these handsfree units in their cars and believing it makes them safe.

"Driving and talking is still dangerous."