20141120 - Amateur Radio use in a Vehicle

Post date: Nov 20, 2014 4:48:14 AM

A topic for regular discussion is the legality of using your Amateur Radio in a vehicle while driving. Peter VK6PM pointed us at Western Australia's Road Traffic Code 2000, which was updated on the 1st of November 2014.

• http://www.slp.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/main_mrtitle_2007_homepage.html

Search for the term "CB" and you'll find section 265 Use of mobile phones on page 292 where it reads in part:

mobile phone does not include a CB radio or any other two-way 

radio; 

Note that this doesn't cover you for not paying attention or driving dangerously, but the mobile phone clause does not prevent you from using your radio.

Note that the Office of Road Safety also refers to the same clause:

• http://www.ors.wa.gov.au/Penalty-Change-Item/Distractions

This information relates to Western Australia and was current at the time of publication.