What are the penalties for making phone calls while driving?

[DelKendra]

Drivers making phone calls while driving will be penalized with 2 demerit points and a fine. The "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law" clearly stipulate that driving a motor vehicle must not involve behaviors that hinder safe driving, such as making or answering handheld phone calls or watching television. There are three major hazards of making or answering phone calls while driving: First, it distracts the driver's attention. The reaction time of the brain when making or answering phone calls is 30% slower than when driving under the influence of alcohol. The reaction speed of young drivers is only equivalent to that of a 70-year-old driver, significantly weakening the driver's ability to respond to emergencies. Second, making phone calls while driving increases the risk of traffic accidents by four times compared to normal conditions, and over 30% of fatal traffic accidents are caused by the driver's lack of concentration. Third, making or answering phone calls while driving also affects the traffic efficiency of other vehicles, exacerbating road congestion. Correct ways to handle phone calls while driving: Use a Bluetooth headset. Answering calls via Bluetooth allows hands to remain on the steering wheel, enhancing driving safety. Seek assistance from passengers in the car to handle urgent messages or calls. If necessary, passengers can be delegated to handle relevant information, which will not affect the safety of the driver.

[AllieLynn]

As someone who frequently drives long distances, I'm well aware of the risks of using a phone while driving, and the penalties are quite severe. In most cities, if caught by traffic police holding a phone while driving, the fine typically ranges from 200 to 500 yuan, and your driver's license may also be deducted 2 or 3 points. In serious cases, you might even receive a warning or have your license revoked. That's not even the worst part—the main issue is that distraction can easily lead to rear-end collisions or minor accidents, and in some cases, insurance might not cover the damages. I recommend friends develop good habits: set your phone to Do Not Disturb mode as soon as you get in the car, or use a Bluetooth headset for calls—don't take the risk. If you absolutely must answer an urgent call, find a safe place to pull over first. Don't put yourself and others in danger for just a few seconds. Remember, safety comes first—nothing is more important!

[McDonovan]

Using a phone while driving is absolutely a high-risk behavior. Let me talk about the penalty details. If caught, the fine starts at 200 yuan with demerit points, and some regions may impose stricter penalties, ranging from 2 to 6 points. The worst part is that it significantly increases the probability of accidents. I've heard of many cases where people missed red lights or pedestrians just by glancing at their phones. For your own safety and others', I strongly recommend switching to a hands-free device or simply pulling over to return calls. Developing this habit can avoid a lot of trouble and might even save lives in critical moments—saving you from fines and even bigger expenses like medical bills!

[JayceRose]

From a novice driver's perspective: My driving instructor always warned me not to use my phone while driving. Now that I'm on the road, the penalty for being caught making a call is straightforward—a fine of 200 yuan and at least 2 demerit points. If an accident occurs, it could be even worse, possibly resulting in full liability. I know we young people have a strong addiction to our phones, but it's best to set it to auto-reply or connect via Bluetooth while driving. Pulling over to take a call is much safer—don't let a small habit turn into a big risk.