While most people know they can't touch a mobile phone while driving, they don't know that using a mobile phone without a hand can also be deducted. (photo from Daily Mail)
According to the Daily Mail, many young drivers have lost their licenses because of an unknown law.
A new survey by the Queensland University of Science and Technology (Queensland University of Technology) has found that drivers with a P license are not fully aware of the rules governing the use of mobile phones while driving, leaving them losing rights, who drives in Australia.
While most people know they can't touch a mobile phone while driving, they don't know that using a mobile phone without a hand can also be deducted, according to the survey.
Verity, a researcher at Queensland University of Science and Technology
Truelove) said most drivers with P1 or P2 licenses were not clear about restrictions on the use of mobile phones. This includes using Bluetooth to play music or using GPS navigation and so on. In addition, even on-board passengers are not allowed to use hands-free calls when a driver with a license P is driving, as it can distract young drivers.
In the new state, drivers with a P1 license will be deducted by 5 points if they are found to be using a mobile phone, even if they play music only through Bluetooth. That would cost the driver a six-month license and a A $337 fine.
Victoria, Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia have similar rules and have been known by a relatively few drivers for more than a decade.
In Western Australia and Tata, drivers with a license P are subject to the same rules as full drivers. This means that they can use mobile phones in hands-free situations.
Veriti said many young drivers believe that the current law rules are outdated and can't keep pace with the pace of technology development. Drivers who use mobile phones are not "flouting" regulations, she said. They either do not know the rules or consider them "unreasonable".