Ban on use of mobile phone while driving proposed

RIYADH, 8 June — A proposal to ban mobile telephone calls while driving is currently under consideration. It will be a punishable offense once the new traffic regulations being discussed by the Shoura Council, are passed, according to Brig. Gen. Fahd Al-Bishr, director of the general traffic administration.

Driving while using a mobile phone will be registered as a third degree offense with a fine ranging between SR100 and SR300. Mobile phones divert the attention of the driver by increasing the risk of an accident to him and other motorists, Al-Bishr said.

“The fine has been implemented in several countries particularly after the mobile phone became very popular and its apparent link with accidents,” said Al-Bishr.

The countries that ban the use of mobile phones while driving include Britain and France. A bill has already been presented in the US Congress to ban mobile calls while driving. According to studies conducted in European countries, mobiles caused moderate to heavy accidents.

The new regulations are being introduced with the aim of accommodating the latest developments in the country’s traffic movement. The traffic offenses are divided into four categories depending on the degree of accidents caused by the offense, he said.

The director said that driving without stopping at the “Stop” signs would be included among first degree offenses as it is not less  serious than running a red light and causing accidents.

According to the current regulations the traffic offenses are of three categories. The first category, which calls for a fine ranging between SR300 and SR900, includes running a red light, speeding, driving in the wrong direction and intoxicated driving.

The second category of violations involves ignoring the overtaking regulations, missing headlights and taillights, with a fine up to a maximum of SR500 and minimum of SR150.

The third type of violations includes the failure to observe parking and stopping regulations, failing to renew the driving license or car registration paper on time, the director said.