Mobile phone ban for drivers

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This page was last updated on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 23:22 (Thailand time)

	Mobile phone ban for drivers now in effect BANGKOK, May 8 (TNA) – Although the mobile phone ban on drivers was put into effect on Thursday, police in metropolitan Bangkok will issue cautionary warnings to offenders first, with punitive measures starting May 19, according to a senior police officer. Speaking on the morning news programme on Modernine TV (Television Channel 9), deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Pol. Maj-Gen. Panu Kerdlarppol conceded that the public relations campaign has been insufficient to inform motorists about the banning of mobile phones while driving, so the police won't give citations or make arrests during the informal grace period, but will warn offenders first before getting tougher. Arrests will start on May 19 and violators will be fined 400-1,000 baht, he added. Offenders will also be awarded 10 penalty points, and when a driver's cumulative total reaches 60 points, driving licenses will be suspended. Some other countries enforce such a ban and have reportedly found that the practice can reduce the number of road accidents. In Thailand, a hands-free device is still allowed but motorists were asked to talk on mobile phones with a hands-free kit for only "short periods". "If there is a dispute between motorists and traffic police," Gen. Panu said, "investigators will check the driver's mobile phone Sim card". The police general also asked members of the public to notify the police when they see a violation taking place.
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