Cell phone driving fine $150
Posted on Fri, 09/07/2012 - 13:54 in Local News
(CNS): From Friday 21 September it will be illegal in the Cayman Islands to use a mobile or cell phone while driving without a hands-free unit. Anyone caught doing so can expect to pay $150 fine. The long awaited traffic law regulations have been completed and government officials confirmed it would be effective in two weeks time. The ban, which has been introduced in many western countries, already appears in Clause 78 of the traffic law and makes it illegal to talk, text or bbm in a car that is driving on the road. Vehicle and Drivers’ Licensing Director David Dixon said experts have likened cell phone usage while driving to that of careless driving, slowing reactions to traffic hazards by as much as four times.
“Too many people have become too accustomed to checking e-mail or sending a text while behind the wheel, even though it's as dangerous as drinking and driving,” the minister with responsibility for roads, Juliana O’Connor-Connolly, said as the official announcement about the law was made some ten months after it was first passed.
“We have lost enough of our youth to speeding, and it our hope that this law will be a preventive measure and that over time it will change the attitudes of our citizens,” she added.
The law provides some exceptions to using a mobile phone while driving, including police officers on duty, a driver making a 911 call in an emergency when it is unsafe to stop, or when the phone is secured to a hands-free unit. Drivers can also pull over from the normal flow of traffic and park to use their phones.
Along with the ban on cell phones, the law puts an end to the unpopular parking control of clamping.
The new traffic law, which takes effect on 21 September, brings with it some 12 new regulations and a revised Road Code that provides a comprehensive guide to the conduct of all road users, including pedestrians, animal riders, motor cyclists and cyclists. O'Connor-Connolly urged everyone to get a copy of the new Road Code.
"The updated Traffic Law, regulation and new Road Code apply to everyone who uses the road – both drivers and pedestrians. Everyone should familiarise themselves with the new provisions and understand what their rights are," she said,
The law also finally allows electric cars on the roads as a result of a change to the definition of a “motor vehicle” to accommodate the green vehicles.
"This allows, for the first time in these islands, for electric vehicles to be registered, licensed and insured,” the minster added.
Another change in the law allows police officers to issue tickets to people who park in disabled parking spots without the required blue 'Disabled Person Badge'. Under Traffic Ticket Regulations, the traffic fines have also been revised.
“Using a vehicle without registration plates was $25; this is now increased to $100. Failing to obey traffic signal/signs was $25 and will be increased to $200. The new offence of using a mobile telephone while operating a vehicle has been added to the regulations and carries a fine of $150,” Dixon explained.
There is also a change in the regulations to ensure that driving instructors are properly licensed and regulated. But the law will grandfather in current driving instructors, who will be subjected to testing from to time to time to determine their suitability to instruct students, Dixon added.
Since the enactment of the 1973 Traffic Law, there have been 15 amendments. The Road Code has not been published since 1974 and was long overdue for an update to take into account existing traffic conditions and road use, especially roundabouts, officials said.
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CNS...what about a "Name and
CNS...what about a "Name and Shame" campaign?
Get readers to "legally" take photos (that means passengers only in motor vehicles, or people in legally parked and stopped cars, or pedestrians) of people driving whilst on the phone, parked in stupid places, not wearing seat belts, driving with children unbelted, doing other stupid/illegal stuff and CNS prints them, and at same time send them to the police to have them enforce penalties.
If we want to see improvements in driving standards, safety and fewer accidents then this is a whole community thing, not just an RCIP or Law things.
Special prizes should be awarded to those phtographing Policemen illegaly driving or Politicians/public servants.
CNS: I've put this comment in the CNS Forum to get reader feedback. Could anyone wanting to reply to this go to the forum topic to do so.
Well if I had of been able to
Well if I had of been able to snap a shot of todays prize idiot it would have been priceless....
AL Thompson roundabout, had a Bluetooth headset in their left ear......and a bloody phone clamped to their right ear !
You can't fix stupid.....
I wonder if this will apply
I wonder if this will apply to taxi drivers? I have never been in a taxi here without the driver making at least one phone call. The other day I had that made 4 calls between Waterways and GT and each time she said "I have to go, I have a passenger on board" then made another call! It meant I couldn't ask her why she was going down WB Road instead of the bypass since it was rush hour. Then she charged me about $20 and expected a tip.
Its a pathetic punishment
Its a pathetic punishment that will make absolutely no difference to people's poor driving habits. Only when a penalty points system is introduced and losing your licence is a real possibility will we see compliance to the law and a reduction in the number of deaths on our roads. Why doesn't this government look at the UK example? Cayman really is an island in more than the literal sense of the word.
All that matters to our
All that matters to our government is collecting $$$ to balance the budget; it's not about saving lives or the public obeying traffic laws. This is just another way to make more money so we have to pay for all the prior and current mismanagement of funds by the UDP and PPM. Those to parties are just pots cursing kettles. Taking ppl's license away will not give them that monetary satisfaction as the higher fines will. Hope this offers you some clarity.
In the UK there's
In the UK there's a big fine AND an endorsement of the offender's license. See:
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/EndorsementsAndDisqualifications/DG_4022550
The new laws in Cayman are half-hearted at best, and the CIG have missed a huge opportunity to make a real difference to road safety. . .but what's new? Pundits will claim "a step in the right direction", but Cayman seems to only take little steps.
One other thing: This morning, I heard Mr. Harris on Rooster say that while he thought texting and driving was dangerous, holding a phone up to your ear isn't! What a misinformed and irresponsible comment. Mr. Harris, any qualified and responsible driving instructor will tell you that to be in full control of moving motor vehicle both hands should be on the steering wheel. Drinking, eating, and even smoking while driving are all examples of driving without due care and attention. Get with the program, brother.
You did not hear Mr.
You did not hear Mr. Harris say any such thing. He was responding to a caller who thought there should either be a complete ban on cell phone usage while driving or no ban at all by explaining the reason for the partial ban is that one hand would be off the steering wheel and therefore dangerous - more so than using a hands free device.
I hope the RCIP that causes
I hope the RCIP that causes accidents will also be charge!
BRACER
how is disabled parking going
how is disabled parking going to be policed/ enforced now??
Well considering I saw a
Well considering I saw a police car parked in a handicapped parking space while the entire parking lot was practically empty probably means you should not hold your breath there.
I agree with the poster above that a points system shoud be instituted. This fine business, while I suppose puts more $ into the government coffers (for use on extravagant travel or something equally necessary) is the preferred method, it isnt much of a deterrant.
It's kind fo hard to give credence to this when a police car almost rear ended me because he was texting and driving O_o
Great! Now we are going to
Great! Now we are going to have more idjits stopping in the middle of a busy road, at great peril to others. But instead of taking on a passenger as per the norm, they will be catching up with a bredrin on the phone instead.
This is crazy! I am typing,
This is crazy!
I am typing, drinking coffee, chanigng the radio station and driving all at the same time right now and I am fine. In this day and age where we live in a globalised community there are just not enough hours in a day not to multi task and besides, whoa look at this a$$hole., take me over will you why I outta!.............oh sh'''''''''''''''t!..........
Does anyone have a number for a tow truck?
This is the breakthough
This is the breakthough Cayman been waiting on - a cash bonanza from taxing talking!
Cayman your financial future is assured. Tax dem mouts!
I'm not clear on this. Does
I'm not clear on this. Does it mean I can still use my phone if I drive hands free? I do this all the time right now. I Slow Down... while I steer with my knees so I can text.
Its not because the phones
Its not because the phones are held in ones hands that causes the accidents, but its the concentration of the conversation. Why cant the learned Politicians figure this out?Lets hope that it applies to the Police as well, or is it like cutting the cicil servants pay and not the Politicians nor Madam Speaker?
Instead of arresting the REAL
Instead of arresting the REAL criminals, we are going for the civilian, who is easy prey.
A simple check of phone records after an accident, would be sufficient to punish.
Everyday morning I run
Everyday morning I run alongside the line of traffic outside St. Ignatious, heading into GT. It shakes me to the core to see how many drivers have one hand on the wheel while they text, call on their cell phones, eat, and drink. I saw one young woman eating breakfast from a plate on her lap, making a cell phone call at the same time, and steering with an elbow! Every morning, in one in four cars either the passenger or driver are not wearing their seat belts. What really gets me annoyed is when I see toddlers in the front seat, or in the back seat without a safety seat or a seat belt -- outright child abuse in my opinion. Every day I see driver after driver in this line breaking the law. Makes me wonder about the overal IQ of the general population on this island. Everyone talks about the frailties of youth and speeding, but from I see with my own eyes every morning the parents are no better, and sometimes worsee because they should know better.
You started your comment with
You started your comment with "Everyday morning..." and then question the "overal" IQ of the general population. No need to question your IQ...
A cheap pop that adds nothing
A cheap pop that adds nothing to the debate.
truth is lots of locals and
truth is lots of locals and jamaicans dont know the roundabout law. right lane= turn right. GET IT? not straight over ok? LEFT LANE= TURN LEFT, GET IT? OR EVEN STRAIGHT OVER, BUT NOT RIGHT. GET IT? OBVIOUSLY NOT
Actually, you're wrong about
Actually, you're wrong about that. Left lane = left turn or straight over (in the left lane); right lane = right turn or straight over, but in the right lane. And evryone to yield to the traffic approaching from the right, regadless of who got there first. This is a roundabout, not a 4-way stop. Learn the rules of the road.
And if you are not sure, slow
And if you are not sure, slow down, it won't kill you if you do! ...yes be courteous and give way, and please use your indicators at all round-abouts.
I guess only two types of
I guess only two types of people live here???? Locals & Jamaicans...,haha
And what about the Americans,
And what about the Americans, Hondurans and Filipinos?
One can go straight ahead and
One can go straight ahead and enter from the right lane.
Not normally you can't, only
Not normally you can't, only if it is two lanes in and two lanes out, or sign posted to say you can, normally it's left lane only, but I'm struggling to think of an example on this island that fits that bill.
What's the thumb's down for,
What's the thumb's down for, that is the law.
Now it gets interesting, how
Now it gets interesting, how will most drivers cope, I always thought that the Cayman test should be with a hand strapped to your head cause thats the way you all drive. Actually from my experience, its the way most people worked in offices, constant phoning friends and a bit of work to interrupt the calls!
I see one police officer in
I see one police officer in particular all the time on the cell phone. By body language, you know it's personal. Not only that I saw the police officer parked in a no parking zone next to a super market. They should be enforcing the law not breaking it.
I think the police should have a hotline that we call on these officers breaking the law constantly. How can we tell our children to obey the laws that they see the ones who are suposed to uphold the law breaking? It is very disheartening. My son says, "Mummy, everybody is corrupt." How sad is that?
A full time job will be at
A full time job will be at the supermarkets and the handicap parking spots! Revenue galore! I am happy to see this! It should also include any vehicle not parked in a proper parking spot instead of blocking the supermarkets too! Lazy, lazy people!
However, the Police should not be exempt, they are human as well and can also be a danger while engaging on their cell phone and driving.
Lets see what happens when we
Lets see what happens when we call the police station to report an indiviudal parked in a handicap spot...these police don't even come quicky when there is a real problem, let alone someone parked in the handicap parking.....unfortunately another law passed but can't be enforced!!!
Especially the parking at
Especially the parking at Seven Mile Beach Post Office!
Great, perhaps then people
Great, perhaps then people will remember to use their indicators as well as they are usuallly to busy yapping on the phone or texting to turn it on. I also have a new rule: No indicator? No privilege! Considering the type of tank I'm driving, you better think twice before you cross my way without letting me know which way you intent to go.
The RCIPS internal directions
The RCIPS internal directions are not to use cell phones, regardless of the exemptions, and to oull over and stop if they need to take or make an operational call
$150 - one hundred and fifty
$150 - one hundred and fifty dollars ! For a lot of people who might believe that they REALLY NEED to use their cell phone to make, or receive, a business call, that is petty cash. The fine should start at $500 and escalate for subsequent offences. Do we we have a " points " system in Cayman for driving convictions, where varying numbers of points are charged to your Driving Licence depending on the severity of the offense and when you accumulate a specified number of points, your Driving Licence is automatically suspended for a minimum of three months - if not, we need to introduce that system to the Traffic Law.
“We have lost enough of our
“We have lost enough of our youth to speeding" - how exactly is not using a cell phone going to stop these morons from attempting suicide via speeding?
Darwin
Darwin
I could understand this law
I could understand this law if the police were able to keep up with the laws at present but as they are incapable of stopping people for not indicating a turn where are they going to find some time to police this?
"The law provides some
"The law provides some exceptions"
So why are the police any better at driving than anyone else?
Will taxi drivers be exempted
Will taxi drivers be exempted from the law ? Or will they be able to hold 2 phones, a bb and a radio in their hands while driving ?
Or parking in their personal
Or parking in their personal taxi stand in front of the door to Fosters in the strand?
The opening paragraph relly
The opening paragraph relly concerns me, it says "Clause 78 of the traffic law and makes it illegal to talk, text or bbm in a car that is driving on the road" so we're ok to email and browse the internet which cranks omitted that from the law??
Does the law extend to motorcycles, cycles, trucks, lorries etc etc or just cars?
I like the idea of people getting fined for parking in disabled spots, the number of times I see lazy people parking in them when there's clearly nothing wrong with them is a joke. However, getting the RCIPS to monitor this will be practically impossible!
I think the etc.. takes care
I think the etc.. takes care of the e-mailing, surfing the web etc....
That's if the gedarmes can
That's if the gedarmes can see through the black tint.
I would imagine the biggest
I would imagine the biggest revenue from this source will be from the RCIPS driver's, can we also implement fines for people smoking behind the wheel and those with a general lack of common sense when it comes to roundabouts?
And Mr. Policeman that goes
And Mr. Policeman that goes for you too! If I see you on your phone an gonna take a pic and show it to the Comish
LOL, but they might turn
LOL, but they might turn around and fine you because you used your phone ! haha
seat belts are law too but i
seat belts are law too but i dont see anyone bothered about that one either. also kids in seats climbing about ? law? more tint still? bald tyres while your at it? black smoke belching out of exhausts? i could go on and on .
one thing making a law its another think asking our so called law abiding cops to enforce them ALL
The police need to
The police need to prioritize: by that I mean cherry-pick the offenders to maximize financial return. A good example would be the phone user, with tinted windows, blue headlights on full beam, expired licence and all the while entertaining the neighbourhood with their bass bazooka. They should find dozens of offenders, circling on the outside lanes of roundabouts without indicating or overtaking in the turn lane on the West Bay road. Toss in a DUI charge, and you could get $2,000 a pop. I'll look forward to the police being entirely self-funding from the 21st Sept.
Also to the driving
Also to the driving instructors can u please teach learning drivers that the two small round abouts in industrial park and the one next to Royal bank and all roundabouts for that matter are give way juctions and not 4-way junctions, this means that as long as there is traffic approaching from your right you must stay there, this could mean 1 car or 10.
I'm personally tired of getting cursed at or being shown the finger because I know how to use a give way junction.
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