Mobile Phones Banned While Driving In Ghana; No Hands-Free Either

A new law banning the use of mobile phones while driving is now in force in Ghana. Drivers caught sending text messages or using ear piece will be made to face the law, according to the new Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I 2180) passed by Parliament. One of the main aims of the law is to �eliminate certain practices by drivers that lead to avoidable road accidents.� The practices, according to the new law, include the use of mobile phones and the operation of television monitors on the dash board of vehicles when driving. Beginning from Friday, July 6, �the use of hand held communication devices such as mobile phones to make or receive calls, send or receive messages or access the internet while driving will be illegal,� the law states. Personnel of the security agencies were exempted due to the nature of their business. �Officials of the security agencies would be permitted to use mobile phones and other similar devices when driving in the execution of their duties.� The Committee on Subsidiary Legislation of Parliament in its report stressed that �the use of devices such as mobile phones when driving is likely to impair the concentration of drivers and may lead to accidents. It is believed that the prohibition of the use of the devices would greatly minimize accidents on the roads.�