Stop at red lights using your phone: Understand the law to avoid being fined
Many drivers are worried about using their phones at red lights after AI cameras recorded a series of violations. Current legal regulations have clearly stated this behavior.
AI technology and driver concerns
The application of surveillance cameras integrated with artificial intelligence (AI) in detecting traffic violations has brought about remarkable results. Recently, images released by the Traffic Police Department (CSGT) show that many drivers violate errors such as not wearing seat belts, carrying more passengers than prescribed and especially using phones while driving.
According to statistics, there have been 126 cases of car drivers being fined for using their phones while driving. This raises a question in the community: is using a phone while waiting at a red light considered a traffic violation?
Legal regulations on using phone while driving
To clarify this issue, it is necessary to consider current legal regulations. According to Point a, Clause 4, Article 5 of Decree 100/2019/ND-CP, the act of using a mobile phone while driving a car on the road will be fined from 2,000,000 VND to 3,000,000 VND. In addition, violators will also be subject to an additional penalty of having their driver's license revoked for 1 to 3 months.
For drivers of motorbikes and scooters (including electric motorbikes), similar behavior will be fined from VND 800,000 to VND 1,000,000 and have their driving license revoked for 1 to 3 months, according to the provisions of Point h, Clause 4, Article 6 of the same Decree.
The key point in these regulations is the phrase “while driving on the road”. This means that the violation is only punished when the vehicle is in a moving state.
Is stopping at a red light considered "driving"?
When a vehicle stops to wait for a traffic light, legally, the vehicle is not "on the road". This is a temporary stop at the request of a traffic signal, not an active stopping or parking act. Therefore, if considered according to the wording of the law, the driver's behavior of using a phone while stopping at a red light is not subject to the penalty of "using a hand-held mobile phone while driving on the road".
However, road users need to be very careful. Focusing on the phone can cause the driver to lose focus, not observe the traffic signal in time and move when the light turns green. This action can cause traffic obstruction for the vehicles behind, potentially causing a collision when the traffic starts to flow again.
Recommendations for general safety
Although not subject to penalties under the above regulations, the Traffic Police Department and traffic safety experts still recommend that drivers should not use their phones when stopping at red lights. Losing concentration for just a few seconds can lead to unfortunate consequences.
In case of an urgent call or message, the safest solution is for the driver to proactively find a safe place to stop and park the vehicle to handle the work. In addition, equipping and using hands-free support devices such as Bluetooth headsets is also a reasonable choice, helping the driver to stay in touch while ensuring concentration on observing and safely controlling the vehicle.
