How many points are deducted for making phone calls while driving?
2 Answers
According to Article 87 of the "Measures for the Management of Scoring for Road Traffic Safety Violations" which came into effect on April 1, 2022, drivers who engage in behaviors such as making or answering handheld phone calls that hinder safe driving while operating a vehicle will be penalized with a deduction of 3 points and a fine ranging from 20 to 200 yuan. Hazards: Impedes driving. When a driver operates a phone with one hand while driving, it significantly obstructs the vehicle's movement, affecting speed control, distance control, and the driver's line of sight, which can easily lead to traffic accidents. Distracts attention. Making phone calls while driving diverts the driver's focus, hindering their observation of the road and surrounding environment. In cases of emergencies or sudden situations, the driver's adaptability and reaction time are greatly reduced, increasing the likelihood of traffic accidents. Narrows field of vision. Looking at a phone while driving reduces the driver's field of vision and diminishes their perception of surrounding visual cues. Drivers using phones are more likely to miss traffic signals and often overlook signs such as notice boards. Causes traffic congestion. The driver's distraction leads to reduced speed, affecting the passage rate of other vehicles and resulting in traffic jams. However, using hands-free car phones, mobile phone headphones, or speakerphone functions for calls without compromising safety is not considered a violation of handheld phone usage. Although using Bluetooth and similar devices is not treated as a violation, such behavior is not encouraged as it still distracts the driver's attention and affects safe driving.
I remember one time I was driving and talking on the phone, discussing work matters while driving, thinking it was quite convenient. Then I almost rear-ended the car in front, and my heart was in my throat. Later, I learned that this is called distracted driving, which directly deducts 2 points and also comes with a 200-yuan fine. When driving, attention should be focused on the road; using a phone and getting distracted can easily lead to an accident. My current habit is to stop before making calls or use a Bluetooth headset for hands-free calls, which is much safer. Traffic police also frequently check for this, and getting caught means trouble. Safe driving isn’t just for yourself but also for others. This habit needs to change; otherwise, points and fines are minor compared to the risk of an accident.
