From this month on, you can only use mobile phones for navigation while driving vehicles

If you are caught using a mobile phone for anything else besides navigation, starting October 1, you can be fined ₹5,000 or be jailed for a year or both.

The use of mobile phones while driving has been categorised under ‘dangerous driving’ in the amended Motor Vehicle Act.  (Pixabay)

Starting this month, drivers can only use mobile phones for navigation while driving vehicles, the road transport ministry has notified. The Times of India also reported that the ministry is making way for smoother verification of documents and recording violations electronically by allowing the use of digital documents like driver's license, permits, insurances, registration certificates and fitness certificates.

Both the rule and the new allowances come into force from this month itself.

As per reports, the ministry has specified how exactly drivers are permitted to use a hand-deld device or mobile phone while driving. Drivers will be allowed only if the use is solely for route navigation and is being used by fixing the device on the dashboard in a way that it does not distract the driver while he is driving.

According to global studies, drivers using mobile phones while driving are four times more likely to be involved in a crash. Texting while driving makes things worse.

The use of mobile phones while driving has been categorised under ‘dangerous driving' in the amended Motor Vehicle Act and can attract a fine of up to ₹5,000 or one year in jail or both.