What does the law say?

The legislation makes it illegal to use your phone if you hold the phone at any point during its use. The law also applies to any interactive device such as PDAs or navigation aids. "Holding" includes cradling the phone between your ear and shoulder.

What about fully-installed car kits?

A properly installed car kit fixed to the dashboard is the safest way to take calls. These kits should be fitted by a professional to ensure that all the wires are hidden, the radio will mute automatically, and so that you don't invalidate your car's warranty or run the risk of installing the kit in front of an airbag.

Can I use my ear piece and wire with my mobile?

A handsfree kit consisting of a wire and an earpiece would be legal if you do not have to hold the phone at any point, for instance to dial a number or take a call. If your phone has voice recognition or "bluetooth" capabilities you should use these and pre-programme numbers into your phone. But trailing wires from some kits mean that they still aren't a particularly safe option.

So what are your options

The only option to stay 100% legal, and avoid unwanted fines for taking an important call while your behind the wheel, is to have a hands free kit installed into the car.

Kits can either be stand alone, with speakers of their own, or fully integrated into your car audio system to ensure you never miss a call.

At Sextons Southampton we can provide a professional hands free kit, fully installed into the car for just about any mobile phone on the market.

Contact us to find out full availability and to go through the options you have for your particular make and model of mobile.

If you'd rather not have your hands free wired into the car, why not consider Bluetooth. We can offer a range of Bluetooth options for installation. Using this latest technology you, don't even need to look at your phone to know who is calling you, or read your text messages.