Netherlands Use of Ham Radio Handheld Microphone While Mobile
/If you are driving a vehicle, you may not hold a mobile electronic device that can be used for communication or information processing. This is regulated in Article 61a of the 1990 Traffic Rules and Signs Regulations (RVV 1990). But can you still hold a microphone now?
Article 61a states the following:
It is prohibited for anyone driving a vehicle to hold a mobile electronic device that can be used for communication or information processing while driving. A mobile electronic device is in any case understood to mean a mobile phone, a tablet computer or a media player.
With this decision, the legislator has removed an inconsistency in the legislation. Article 61a has been amended to such an extent that it applies to all drivers of a vehicle. So also for cyclists, tram drivers and drivers of disabled vehicles. These drivers are not allowed to hold a mobile electronic device while driving. The old article specifically refers to a mobile phone.
In the explanation (page 5), an exception is made for operating a speech key
The speech key of a mobile phone or 27MC "bakkie" [Citizens Band} built into the vehicle is not covered by the term mobile electronic device.
So here one does not speak of holding a microphone, but specifically the term speech key is used here. You can then find it on the website of the ambulance blog.
This means that it is no longer allowed to hold a speaking key or mobile phone while driving. It is permitted, for example, to use a transmission button or foot pedal of a C2000 device which is permanently mounted in the vehicle. Not every ambulance service offers this option. An adjustment is therefore necessary here because otherwise communication with the control room or other units is impossible.
The law specifically refers to a button on a wire. The question is whether the judge sees this as such and allows holding a microphone. As long as there is no judgment by a judge, it is not yet possible to give an opinion. Keep it safe in traffic. Hands-free kits or bluetooth solutions are available and also keep our hobby safe.
