When you get behind the wheel of your car it will be essential to follow certain rules. If you behave correctly and in full compliance with the Highway Code, then you will never risk endangering your safety and that of the other people present at that precise moment. But did you know that in some specific cases it won’t be possible to use the satellite navigator while driving? What do you need to watch out for? Here are all the details on this topic not known by everyone.
The satellite navigator exploit the GPS to show the driver the road ahead in real time. This electronic device has significantly simplified life behind the wheel of many people in recent years. It often happens, in fact, to travel down roads for the first time and not to know which is the right direction to take.
These devices help the user to never lose the “right life” and to better orient themselves in any area. Modern cars have built-in sat navs. It will therefore be possible to enter the route to be tackled on it. The user will therefore always have the whole situation under control on the display, including the kilometers remaining to the desired destination.
On the other hand, those who do not have an integrated navigator in their car can “equip themselves” in another way. Indeed, on your smartphone it will be possible to download specific apps, such as Google Maps, able to guarantee you the same service.
There is, however, a detail to which you need to always pay attention as regards the use of the satellite navigator while driving. A detail that should never be underestimated in order not to run into road safety risks and very high administrative fines. What are we referring to? Here are all the details about it.
NEVER use the navigator in this way while driving: the penalties are very heavy
Those who drive their own motorized vehicle know well that it will not be in the rules to perform a certain move. We refer to drive with your smartphone in your hand or to your ear to make a phone call. A move that, unfortunately, many still make. However, it can cost you and other road users a lot. And if you use your smartphone to look at the sat nav? Here’s what you risk in a specific case.
Therefore, it will not be possible to call, text, chat and perform any other type of operation with the mobile phone. Practically, it will not even be possible to use the smartphone to look at the navigator with the device held in hand. The only solution is to place it on the dashboard, using a special block.
Anyone who should be caught in the act while driving with a smartphone in hand is at risk fines from 161 to 646 euros. Added to this is the suspension of the license from one to three months. The smartphone in hand with the engine running cannot be kept even in other situations, such as, for example, when queuing at traffic lights or in traffic queues.
Article 173 of the Highway Code prohibits the use of smartphones while driving: “It is forbidden for the driver to use radio telephones, smartphones, laptops, notebooks, tablets and similar devices while driving which require the hands to be removed from the steering wheel, even temporarily, or to use headphones”.
In addition, the standard allows the following: “The use of hands-free devices or devices equipped with earphones is permitted provided the driver has adequate hearing capabilities in both ears which do not require the use of the hands for their operation“.
As mentioned, therefore, the use of the navigator on the smartphone is permitted only if the device is not to be held in the hand. The mobile phone, therefore, must be stabilized on a part of the car, without this move causing distractions to the driver or having to take your hands off the steering wheel while driving.
