For New Zealanders, No More Phones As Sat-Nav Devices

rixth writes "From the 1st of November, it will be illegal to use cell phones while driving in New Zealand. Today, the Government clarified that you can't use your mobile phone as a navigational device, even if it is mounted on the dash board."

Re:it's getting fixed

[Anonymous Coward]

That is an incredibly direct and rapid response, together with prompt action on their concerns... from a government. It must be glitch.

Re:Hands-free is allowed

[MichaelSmith]

As you should do it in all cases hire a Mexican to enter the destination while driving.

Fixed

Thats going to be expensive in NZ. How about somebody from Norfolk Island?

Re:it's getting fixed

[retech]

It's not technically behind. NZ is a day ahead (more or less). So it's already happened here, we're just waiting for the rest of the world to catch up. By the time you read this, it will already be tomorrow in NZ and we'll have moved onto something just as bizarre and misunderstood by lawmakers.

BTW, the for those of you in the past the numbers were 11, 19, 27, 32, 41, 47 (39). Enjoy your new winnings!

can't get there from here

[muckracer]

> "The Road User Amendment Rule 2009 means drivers will not be able to look at
> a navigation aid on a mobile phone when driving, even if it is mounted on
> the dashboard.

I'd go a step further and require all windows to be painted black so that
drivers may not look at the mountains or ogle at cute women they pass...

Re:Hands-free is allowed

[Jurily]

Most sat navs now have a feature that disables the interface if the car is moving. A quick Google search will turn up many forum posts describing how to disable this feature, on the grounds that it prevents a passenger from operating it too.

Being in control of your whole car is considered a good thing, even while driving. I was told people who have a driver's licence are qualified to operate a car.

Cross-continental accidents

[aclarke]

So, GP. It's pretty clear that if you hold your phone to your ear while driving in Australia, you could cause a death or injury in the United States.

If that's not a reason to abstain, I don't know what is.

Re:It doesn't just stop at electronics - eg food

[noisyinstrument]

so is that a defense if you drive through a kindergarten?

you know, i didn't have both hands on the wheel honest ... out of curiosity i mean...

*shifty eyes*

Re:Hands-free is allowed

[master5o1]

The Aucklander is the guy driving. Any New Zealander south of the Bombay Hills would refuse to help the Jafa.

Re:Hands-free is allowed

[jonbryce]

Pretty blondes are good for lots of things, map reading skills is not one of them.

Re:Hands-free is allowed

[dunkelfalke]

I understand a german drivers license is expensive and incredibly comprehensive... anyone know for sure?

I do. You've got that word "incredibly" before the wrong adjective, but otherwise the description is correct.