I often see coach drivers, in the mid-size coaches, driving whilst giving their passengers a commentary on a hand-held microphone. Is this legal?


Auntie’s answer: You may be surprised to learn that it is legal for drivers of tour coaches to use one hand to hold a microphone while driving with the other. I know that seems a bit counterintuitive considering the ban on using cell phones while driving, but an RCIPS and a spokesperson confirmed that holding a microphone is not against the law.

I actually double-checked this point with the police because it seemed odd to me. I was told that the traffic department verified there is nothing in the law that prevents a driver from doing that. “The mobile phone law refers specifically to mobile phones.”

I covered using mobile phones while driving in a recent column if you want more details on that subject (see Upset by drivers using cell phones).

I can accept that holding a microphone does not cause the same level of distraction as pushing buttons and looking at a phone. However, this action still results in only one hand operating a vehicle (and one full of passengers in this instance), and I believe it does take the driver’s mind off the road to some degree.

Of course, this situation does not occur even close to the degree that driving while on the phone does (I am certain everyone sees someone doing this every single day), which may be one of the reasons it is not covered by law. But if an accident occurs because of this, that is one time too many. My suggestion would be for tour bus companies to invest in a wireless, headset microphone for their drivers; there are many models on the market for a few hundred dollars or less. Seems a small price to pay to keep a driver focused on the road.