Court Rules Out Even Holding Mobile Phone While Driving

The High Court on Tuesday said that it is illegal for a driver to hold a mobile phone while driving, even if one is not using it, Arutz Sheva reported.

Judge David Mintz ruled that only a phone enabling hands-free use would be permissible under existing law:

“The wording of the regulation is very clear that when the vehicle is in motion, the driver will not hold on to a fixed or mobile phone, and will not use them,” Mintz wrote, adding that “Regulation 28 (b) is intended to add to Regulation 28 (a), whose goal is to ensure the holding of the steering wheel or handlebar with both hands.

“Regulation 28 (a) allows, as stated, the removal of one hand from the steering wheel or handlebar, to the extent necessary for the purpose of ensuring the proper operation of the vehicle or for the fulfillment of traffic rules. On the other hand, Regulation 28 (b) adds a prohibition on Regulation 28 (a) and states that in no case should the phone be held or used without a hands-free device.”