How Many Points Are Deducted for Using a Phone While Driving?
2 Answers
Using a phone while driving results in a penalty of 3 points deducted from the motor vehicle driver's license. Motor vehicle drivers who make or answer handheld phone calls or watch TV while driving, among other behaviors that hinder safe driving, may also be fined. To enhance drivers' awareness of safe and civilized driving, the regulations have systematically adjusted and improved the traffic violation point deduction rules and management system. The penalty for answering phone calls while driving has been increased from 2 points to 3 points. The penalty is based on the "Measures for the Management of Scoring for Road Traffic Safety Violations." The correct ways to make or answer phone calls are: Choose to make or answer phone calls before driving or after pulling over to the roadside; Connect the phone to the car's audio system via Bluetooth, using features like speed dial or redial to make or answer calls without diverting your gaze; Use the phone's "hands-free" function, keeping your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road; Connect and wear headphones before driving, allowing you to make or answer calls without holding the phone. Hazards of using a phone while driving: Impedes driving. When a driver uses a phone while driving, they steer with one hand, significantly hindering vehicle control, speed regulation, distance judgment, and the driver's line of sight, easily leading to traffic accidents. Distracts attention. Using a phone while driving diverts the driver's focus, impairing their observation of road conditions and surroundings. In emergencies, this greatly reduces the driver's ability to react and increases response time, making accidents more likely. Narrows field of vision. Using a phone while driving narrows the driver's field of vision and reduces peripheral awareness. Causes traffic congestion. Using a phone while driving leads to reduced speed due to distraction, affecting the flow of other vehicles and causing traffic jams.
I used to answer phone calls while driving too, and last year I got caught red-handed by traffic police who said driving while calling is illegal. They directly deducted 2 points from my license and fined me 200 yuan. At the time, I didn't think it was a big deal, but that experience served as a wake-up call: distracted driving is extremely dangerous. If I had hit a pedestrian or rolled the car, the consequences would have been unthinkable. Now I've made it a habit to use Bluetooth earphones or pull over to return calls—safety first. Additionally, repeated violations like this could lead to license suspension and skyrocketing insurance premiums. I recommend everyone cultivate good habits and avoid taking unnecessary risks just to save time. After all, safety is the fundamental baseline of driving.
