Bluetooth Calls, Using Earphones While Driving Is Illegal In This City

Bengaluru Police has drafted clear traffic rules for motorists using bluetooth devices or earphones while driving a two-wheeler and in some cases, for four-wheelers too.

Many motorists while on road, especially those driving two-wheelers can be seen with their earphones or bluetooth devices connected, or with their mobile devices attending a call while driving.

The Bengaluru Police has clarified that they will start issuing challans to those not following traffic rules, or even the ones speaking over a call or even listening to music via an earpiece, while on road.

The public in general does not have clarity over driving two-wheelers while having their bluetooth earpieces or earphones plugged in. For them, the Bengaluru police has set out some rules, which will attract challans if not followed.

Using Mobile Phones/Bluetooth Devices While Driving

Bangalore Police has said that they will issue a challan of at least Rs 1,000 to any two-wheeler rider, who is found using a mobile device in any manner while driving.

This means that such a rider is not allowed to:

• Use headphones while driving.
• Use headphones/bluetooth devices under the helmet while on road.
• Use headphones/bluetooth devices under the helmet while on road even if they are not on a call.
• Play or listen to music through an ear device while driving.
• Using bluetooth ear modules or even bluetooth speakers while riding a two-wheeler.

In case the rider has stopped on a red light signal, he/she is prohibited from:

• Using a mobile phone to talk over a call.
• If the passenger individual holds the mobile phone and sticks it to the driver’s ear, it will attract a challan, as attending a call through any means is illegal for a two-wheeler rider.
• Similarly, if a co-passenger in the car is talking on the phone through the loudspeaker or the infotainment system, the driver cannot be a part of the conversation as it is a violation.

For car drivers, music can be played, except it should be done keeping in mind the volume and it must not affect/disturb any other vehicle. 

For a four-wheeler vehicle driver too, listening to music or attending a call through an earphone or bluetooth earbuds would be a violation to traffic laws.

The city police has clarified that both two-wheeler and four-wheeler drivers can use Google Maps while driving but only if there is a phone holder installed on the vehicle to place the phone on. Holding the phone while driving to navigate directions is not permitted.