Many states here in America have hands free laws in effect that only allow the user to their phone with a Bluetooth device. We can still use our phones for navigation and as a music player though. In New Zealand, a new law at first made using the phone as a satnav device illegal.

The new law is called the Road User Amendment Rule 2009 and it reads in part, “You can use a mobile phone held in a cradle while driving, but only to make, receive or terminate a phone call. You cannot use them in any other way, such as reading a GPS map, reading email, or consulting an electronic diary.”

Drivers can still use standalone GPS units that are dash mounted. Lawmakers came back later today, modified the amendment saying that mobile phones could be used as satnav devices, and said that the intent of the new law was not to prohibit those uses if they are vehicle mounted and messed with infrequently.

Stuff