THE DEPARTMENT of Transport has warned that drivers using hand-held cellphones while steering their vehicles after August 1 will be stopped and prosecuted.
New legislation will come into effect on that day and will apply to all motorists throughout the country. Drivers entering the country from neighbouring states will be warned at border posts of the regulations.
A departmental spokesperson has stated that the original enforcement date of May 1 has been postponed for three months to allow provincial departments time to get approval from their legislatures. This involved, among other matters, the system of imposing fines.
Some provinces were ready to apply spot fines but others had indicated they preferred the system of arrest and instant appearance before a magistrate, which was applied in the case of speeding offences.
A uniform system of fines is now being drawn up and will be announced shortly.
The department is consulting with stakeholders in the cellphone industry about alternative devices said the spokesperson, but responsibility remains with transport operators to instruct drivers not to use their cellphones while driving.
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