The Ministry of Transport’s latest decision, about making GPS navigation devices illegal while driving, has already undergone an amendment, resulting from an uproar from the new generation cellphone users!

Talking about the issue, Transport Minister Steven Joyce’s spokeswoman Anita Ferguson said that the Ministry has been directed to allow ‘sensible’ use of satellite navigation applications on mobile phones.

The change pertained to the Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Act 2009, whereby it is illegal not only to talk on mobile phones while driving, but also to use mobile-phone satellite applications. The rule disallowed the use of the GPS navigation devices even if the phone was hands-free and mounted on the dashboard.

However, Joyce ordered an amendment to the rule, according to which drivers who make use of satellite navigation applications on their dashboard-mounted mobile phones will not be violating the law.

Clarifying the rule, Ferguson said: “It is not the intent of the rule to make it illegal for motorists to use the satellite navigation or music functions of their cell phones, provided these are mounted in the vehicle and are manipulated infrequently. It is also not intended to discriminate against one kind of satellite navigation device or another.”

However, Ferguson also added that with it is important that the devices are used when the vehicle is stationary, due to their potential risk of being a distraction while driving!