Traffic cops are eyeing your lips

Police are likely to take stern action against offenders talking over phone using headphones or Bluetooth

If you thought that you could hoodwink traffic cops by using your Bluetooth or headset to talk while you are driving, then think again.

For the traffic police department is keeping a hawk's eye on your lip movements.

And those who are obsessed with blaring music on their car speakers should also be ready to face the music, as the cops have decided to take stern action against them as well.


All those who speak incessantly on their phones
while driving will be fined Rs 100 for the offence

It is entirely on the discretion of the traffic cop under which section or sections he wants to book you. If you are lucky enough you can get away lightly by paying a fine of Rs 100 or else you will end up paying a huge sum as fine and your driving licence can also be cancelled in the court of law.

Prasad Desai, a resident of Versova, said, "Usually, my friends and I hang out late in the night in my car and spend hours listening to our favourite numbers.
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But with the police taking strict action against people playing music in cars, it seems our late night parties will come to an end now."

A traffic police officer said, "It is an old law (implemented in September 2009). Talking on the phone while driving is an offence, but nobody actually follows it. One should understand that rules are made for the benefit of the public."

DCP (traffic) Nandkumar Chougule said, "It's been almost a year that the use of cell phones while driving a car is completely banned. Not onlyu00a0 will drivers talking on the phone be fined but also those using handsfree device or a Bluetooth.

Did you know?
That a driver's licence can be cancelled under Rule of Central Motor Vehicle Rules, 1989 as per the procedure laid down in section 19(1)(F) of Motor Vehicle, 1988, for use of mobile phone in any form such as handheld, hands free or Bluetooth. The use of mobile phone in any manner also includes giving or receiving calls, sending messages, playing games, listening to music and taking photos or making videos.

First person account
A couple of weeks ago, I was pulled up for using my phone while driving through Tilak Bridge in Dadar.
I pleaded guilty and agreed to pay the official fine at Mahim Traffic Police station, which I knew, could not be more than Rs 100 under Section 250A of the MV Act.

A few days later, I turned up in court to pay my fine, only to find that they had slapped a charge of rash and negligent driving (under Section 184) on me. I ended up paying a fine of Rs 1,100 and had my licence suspended for 10 days.

This incident, along with the knowledge of all the actual rules that are currently being enforced, has ensured that I will never attempt to use my phone again as long as I'm in the driver's seat.

Suprateek Chatterjee