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Date: Sat, 23 Jun 2001 19:01:46 +0100 From: H. <musicboxnopsamrider.co.uk> Subject: Re: Suggestions for a Cup Holder Requested
Chaps, following up on your question, in the UK we have TWO (count 'em!) sets of driving regulations - the Law, and The Highway Code. The latter is not mandatory, but is generally recognised as "the proper way to drive". Its the sort of thing lawyers bring up in court to make a point... The latest version of the Highway Code thus states that you should not use a mobile phone whilst driving "unless you are using an approved hands-free system", but that doesnt mean that it is or isnt legal... Additionally, it is the Highway Code that recommends that a druiver has 2 hands on the wheel at all times - recommended, but not law! Confused? You will be! Recent changes to our laws mean that you can be pulled over an given a caution for HOLDING a mobile phone, but it is not a punishable ofence. However, if you are seen to be driving poorly, you can be arrested for either negligent driving, or driving without due care an attention - and in arresting you for this, the police are at liberty to specifically state mobile phone usage, holding a drink/sandwich etc etc. Chances are a law will be passed in the next year or so to outlaw holding a moblie phone completely - mobile companies seem to have cottoned on to this, as for the past year the freebies with mobiles seem to have almost exclusively been Hands-Free kits, thus suggesting a trend in that direction. As for smoking... well I haven't been pulled yet ;-) and Im not aware of any laws regarding that - though once again, if I drove badly, the police could quite legally claim it was the fact that I only had 1 and a half hands on the wheel. Well we got there in the end! For my part, since having Stereo controls on the wheel of my old Citroen Xania, I have thought them a fantastic idea, and my better half and I wouldn't be without them - They're on her Renault Megane Coupe, and on my 9-3 SE Convertible. Fantastic invention. Add that to a CD changer in the boot of each car, and we dont have to touch the radio at all..... Just my 10% H.
