If your phone is on a magnet on the dashboard can you touch the screen to answer a call? Or is it illegal to use your phone in any way while you are in control of the car? To me, it's no different than using your car radio while in control of the vehicle
Posted Jun 5, 2023, 12:23 PM UTC
I think technically using your phone Vs using the phone that has itself integrated into the dash via carplay or whatever are different. But anyone that discteacts you is an offense.
Can you take a call. Yes? Should you take that call is another decision. Can it wait til you pull in or arrive at your destination? If it isn't life or death that is what voice mail is for. Driving distracted is life or death.
I'm looking for facts, not opinions
"The penalty for using your phone while driving is a fixed charge of €120, and 3 penalty points. This increases to a fixed charge of €180 after 28 days, and 5 penalty points and a more significant fine can be imposed if it goes to court because of non-payment"
It is up to the gard to decide if it is worth stopping your from tapping the screen or if they are looking at you in the exact second you do it.
The only stated exception is taking a call which is strongly recommended against and even then you can't be touching the phone while doing it.
Against it if you just two your phone you will probably be fine. But consider not doing it unless needed. Even a second distracted from the road can be fatal.
I believe it's more for those holding the phone in their hand. The RSA can't explicitly say anything is safe to do when driving because technically, it's not but tapping a screen, touching a dial or a button is a momentary action that doesn't block you from putting your hand back on the steering wheel, whereas holding a phone renders you not in full control of the car. That's what a guard told me because they can't possibly police that but they can see if you're holding it, as he had with me.
What about using apple car play?
I think the law needs to move with the times to be honest.
How exactly am I meant to change song on Spotify or search for a new podcast?
A bit more common sense needs to be there in this law. An outright zero usage of a phone while driving just isn't realistic in this day and age.
It's very realistic. Connect the phone to the car via android auto or carplay or Bluetooth and use the cars buttons to change songs.
If your car can't do that then maybe your car should move with the times and be replaced...
How exactly am I meant to change song on Spotify or search for a new podcast?
You are not.
https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/travel-and-recreation/motoring-1/driving-offences/driving-offences/
What if you have an android radio, can you access the phone through that?
It seems that in car entertainment may be covered under a different section but if you are accessing information or the internet through in car entertainment system then it could be an offence.
It’s been a long weekend and I’m not 100% though
https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2006/act/23/enacted/en/print#sec3