Written Answers. - Motorists' Use of Hand-held Telephones. Tuesday, 22 March 1994

Dáil Éireann Debate Vol. 440 No. 4 Page of 259

  31.  Mr. Barry      asked the Minister for the Environment      the proposals, if any, he has to curb or prohibit the use of hand-held telephones by motorists driving along the public roadway; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. M. Smith):    I have no proposals at present to introduce a specific prohibition on the use of hand-held telephones by motorists while driving as I am satisfied that such [783] use can be dealt with under section 52 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961, which deals with driving without due care and attention. An offence under that section carries a maximum fine of £350, or at the discretion of the court, a prison term of up to three months, or both, together with, on a third or subsequent offence within three years, a disqualification from driving for at least six months.

The latest edition of the “Rules of the Road” advises of the dangers arising from the use of a hand-held telephone by the driver of a vehicle while it is in motion and recommends that drivers stop at a safe location before making or receiving a call on a hand-held telephone or two-way radio.

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