A not too uncommon sight on the roads are motorists using their mobiles while driving.
Maybe they’re texting, taking a call or scrolling through their social media. But is it actually legal to use a mobile phone behind the wheel?
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Don’t do this with your cell phone while driving
Bengt-Erik Lindgroup leader within the traffic police in Kristianstad, tells Kristianstadsbladet what is always illegal to do with the mobile phone when driving – to hold it in your hand.
– You must not use a mobile phone or other communication equipment, in such a way that you hold it in your hand, he tells the newspaper.
If you are caught holding your mobile phone in your hand, you will be suspected of violating the traffic regulations and may be fined SEK 1,500.
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Then you can use your mobile phone while driving
There is, however, a legal way to use the mobile phone while driving, namely to have it permanently mounted, provided it does not affect driving.
– If it is fixed and you ring the phone, it is permitted as long as it does not affect the driving of the vehicle. When it comes to holding the mobile phone in your hand, it doesn’t matter if it’s malevolent or not, because it’s forbidden, says Bengt-Erik Lind to Kristianstadsbladet.
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Can you eat while driving?
Holding a mobile phone while driving is thus illegal – but eating at the wheel is another matter.
It is, for example, legal to hold a banana or ice cream in your hand while driving, but only if you can stop for predictable obstacles and continue to pay attention to the road.
Cycling with a mobile phone in hand is also legal.
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