Driving while using a hand-held cellphone became illegal
from this morning.
The ban on making or receiving calls from a cellphone,
texting and e-mailing is one of a raft of new road rules
under the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009
which came into effect from today.
Those caught breaking the cellphone law face $80 fines and 20
demerit points.
Drivers can still use hands-free devices and two-way radio
under the ban. There is an exemption for 111 calls.
Among other key changes, motorcyclists and moped riders have
to use headlamps or daytime running lamps during daylight
hours in order to increase their visibility to other road
users.
The requirement applies to riders of all mopeds or
motorcycles made after January 1, 1980.
Drivers who cruise along in bus lanes on the pretext of
turning left or accessing a park will also be in trouble.
The new rule will allow drivers to use special vehicle lanes
only when they are less than 50m from where they will turn
off or park. They must complete the manoeuvre in the minimum
length of lane necessary.
Other changes include:
* Drivers must give way to pedestrians who are "obviously
waiting" at a pedestrian crossing (the current requirement is
to give way to pedestrians on a crossing); and
* Vehicles towing another vehicle with a tow rope, rather
than a rigid towing system, will be limited to a maximum
speed of 50kmh.
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