The latest clampdown on drivers who fail to use hands-free kits is the City of Cape Town’s new traffic by-law, passed in 2011.

Even first-time offenders will, from July 1, 2012, be fined for contravening the city's by-law before their cellphones will be confiscated.
The offending drivers would, however, be permitted to remove their memory and SIM cards before handing over their phones. Those fined would be able to reclaim their phones after 24 hours at no cost.

The city’s mayoral committee member for safety and security, JP Smith, said the city issued more than 8000 fines a month for illegal cellphone use.

Smith added: “So we must find a more powerful disincentive.”

“Illegal cellphone use - whether speaking, holding a handset or using the buttons to text - is classified as ‘distracted driving’ and is one of the top four most dangerous driving habits, along with speeding, drinking and driving and not wearing seatbelts.”
The city’s latest move was welcomed by the AA.

Spokesman Gary Ronals said: “You have to admire the innovation, the thinking out of the box. The legislation is clear. The research data on the danger is clear. I don’t have any problem with cracking a different kind of whip if it means saving lives.”

Darul Ihsan Media Desk