It seems motorists need buy nothing more than a magnetic clip mount ($20), to attach their hand-held phone to the dashboard of their car, and an extension earpiece and microphone ($15).
At the other end of the scale, a completely hands-free blue-tooth system - with full voice recognition, voice dialling and voice control - linking into a car's sound system, and with iPod integration, can cost $1000.
Communications Specialists and Soundway sales manager in Dunedin Anthony Kenny expected most motorists would be considering systems retailing for between $200 and $300.
Mr Kenny said yesterday there had been more inquiries from the public and considerable curiosity about what would be required.
Transport Minister Steven Joyce announced last week drivers will not be allowed to text or talk on hand-held cellphones from November 1, and those who do risk an $80 fine and 20 demerit points.
In answer to an Otago Daily Times request yesterday, Mr Joyce's office clarified what was meant by "hands free".
The new rule will prohibit "all forms of hand-held mobile phone use when driving [except in emergencies, if it is unsafe or impractical to stop] and will specifically ban any form of texting regardless".
"While texting will be prohibited, we do not intend to prohibit a person using a phone to make, dial and terminate a call provided the phone is in a mounted device [hands free].
"Using an earpiece or microphone on a handheld will be allowed, provided the phone is voice activated (i.e. it can be operated without being touched)."
Mr Kenny said the minister's clarification seemed to provide motorists with more options than he and others had expected - including a "budget" system costing about $35.
However, he expected better quality systems would be safer.
Mr Kenny said it was "all about voice quality" and being able to have a normal conversation when the car windows were up instead of having to shout and ask for things to be repeated.
"That's where it gets dangerous. That's where you lose your concentration on what you are doing.
"The better the quality, the more you are able to concentrate on what you should be doing."
Mr Kenny warned consumers that there was "a lot of rubbish" on the market at both the budget and the expensive end of the cellphone accessory market.
