The Rover-Landers of BC

I, and others, were wondering if using the club's new Icom radios was a violation of BC's Distracted Driver (anti cell phone in car) law. I have been investigating..., but first...

I am NOT a lawyer! I'm posting the results of my google search and members can draw their own conclusions! :mrgreen:

The BC government has posted a PDF outlining the rules at http://www.bchighway.com/pdf/bccellphonerules.pdf
I've pasted the relevant section below. I think you will find it interesting. :D

A “hand microphone” is a 1⁄2 duplex communication device used principally for commercial purposes (e.g., delivery business). The devices consists of a hand-held unit that:
• Is both receiver and microphone;
• Is operated by a push and hold to talk function; and
• Allows for oral communication, but not for the transmission and receipt of
oral communication at the same time.
A person may use a hand microphone while driving if:
• The device is within easy reach of the driver’s seat; and
• The device is not held in the hand; and
Is securely fixed to the motor vehicle or worn securely on the person’s body in a manner that does not obstruct the person’s view of the front or sides of the motor vehicle or interfere with the safety or operating equipment of the motor vehicle.

You can use a hand microphone if its not held in the hand???

You're looking at the wrong section of your document. The radios in the group buy are permitted by the "Two-way Radio" section of your document:

Two way radios are ½ duplex communication devices used principally for commercial purposes and by amateur radio operators licensed through Industry Canada under the Radiocommunication Act (Canada). The devices consist of a microphone and receiver unit connected by a wire that:

• Is operated by a push and hold to talk function, and
• Allows for oral communication, but not for the transmission and receipt of oral communication at the same time; and
•The transmission of sound is over a set radio frequency.

But... If you expect a cop on the side of the road to let you off - I'd make sure you are carrying your amateur license!!

As a licensed amateur radio operator, you are allowed to use a microphone on your amateur radio due to a specific exemption in the act as in the above post.

If you read it carefully, you may see an argument that you wouldn't legally be able to talk directly into a hand held radio, amateur or not. If the hand held has a remote microphone attached, you could talk into that.

Greg S
VA7 IIA

Looks like a Basic course is also being offered in KELOWNA in April:

http://www.ocarc.ca/


Cheers
Ted