Don't have an extra 1,000 shekels? Set the phone aside while driving

Is the law correspondence lawfully conversational? And what about talking on the phone while stopping at a red traffic light? Everything you need to know about using a mobile phone while driving

(Illustration: ShutterStock)

A correspondent driver on the phone while driving (Photo: ShutterStock)

In the last decade, countless car accidents have occurred around the world due to the use of cell phones while driving. One of the most serious disasters happened in Los Angeles about ten years ago, when 25 train passengers were killed in an accident while the locomotive driver was busy with cellphone correspondence.

Following the significant increase in the number of road accidents caused by the use of the telephone while driving, both the legislature and the Israeli police were required to take significant steps to eradicate the phenomenon, including the intensification of punishment and increased enforcement.

Prohibited child, child allowed

When it comes to using the phone while driving, there are quite a few myths and it is time to make things right; Israeli law strictly prohibits the use of a telephone (mobile or fixed) while driving while the vehicle is in motion. When the vehicle is in a red traffic light it is not in motion and therefore the phone can be used. Beyond that, there is a police directive not to give drivers reports in the event of a traffic light stop. However, it is still advisable not to use the phone even at this time, as the traffic light may change to green in the middle of the call.

Also, for that matter there is no difference between writing / reading messages and talking. The language of the law is very clear: When the vehicle is in motion, the phone should not be used or even held. In addition, headphones attached to a device that make noises or sounds of any kind and must not operate a display visible from the driver's seat. Driving a vehicle with a visible view from the driver's seat is permitted only if the view is disconnected!

The law also allows talking on the phone while driving, as long as the headset is used. The condition: The phone or headset must be fixed and stable so that it cannot fall during travel. Headphones connected to a medical hearing aid may also be used and a display intended for navigation or vehicle control may be activated.

The laptop and the two wheels

Currently, motorcycles and scooters cannot install a fixed headset. Thus, the question of whether the law permits fixing the telephone with a helmet remains vague. In recent years, judgments have been given that have allowed use, but others have banned it. Hence, each case is examined on its merits and the decision depends on the discretion of the judge discussing the case. If you do not want to risk fines and penalties, simply avoid the controversial practice.

(Illustration: ShutterStock)

Driver speaks on phone while driving (Photo: ShutterStock)

Rising, costing us: The penalty for using mobile while driving

Using a mobile phone while driving, including reading or writing a message, may result in a fine of NIS 1,000 and a registration of eight points. Driving with headphones connected to both ears will cost you NIS 250 (no points), though no report will be provided for connecting one headset.

Were you caught on hot? Avoid self-incrimination!

The law allows every citizen to avoid self-incrimination. This means it is permissible to remain silent and avoid signing the police report. Many drivers voluntarily give full admission that, in fact, they did not intend to plead guilty, nor did they commit an offense. It is important to know that, as far as the court is concerned, signing the police report is like approving the things listed in the driver's comments section. The courts take serious consideration of the driver's first and spontaneous things, even when they are thought without thought or intention.

In order to avoid the distortion of justice, make sure you sign the report only after you have verified beyond any shadow of a doubt that the written things are true and true and that you are completely in tune with them.

Cancellation of report and relief of punishment

Even if you received a report for using the phone while driving, this is not the end of a verse. Although the courts tend to take the cops' allegations seriously and assume that they do not want to harass citizens and make false statements about them, there are many ways to impeach their work and lead to the cancellation of the report. For example, it can sometimes be shown that the policeman could not tell the driver as he did not make eye contact with him and therefore there was an error in identification.

The driver of the voter may be sentenced to trial (or at least convicted of a lesser offense than he was initially charged) but, on the other hand, may face a heavier penalty, as, in the case of a sentencing, the courts are not bound by the original sentence of the report. It is paramount to consult a traffic affairs lawyer before making the decision to go to trial.

Writer Adv. Ziad Zoabi deals with the field of traffic law and provides protection to defendants for a variety of offenses, including driving under the influence of drugs, driving drunk and more.
Tel: 072-2314498
Courtesy of legal zap site

The information presented in the article does not constitute or replace legal advice and does not constitute a recommendation for taking proceedings or avoiding proceedings. Anyone who relies on the information contained in the article does so at his own risk.