In Rajasthan, talking on cellphone while driving may cost you your licence

In an effort to minimise road accidents across the state, the Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to cancel the licenses of those caught talking on their mobile phones while driving.

Rajasthan is probably the first state where the high court has issued such an order to ensure road safety.

The court has also directed regional transport officers to initiate proceedings to cancel licences after providing the offenders an opportunity for a hearing.

A division bench comprising Justices Gopal Krishan Vyas and Ramchandra Singh Jhala issued the order on April 27 and sought a compliance report on May 22.

The order was passed after the additional commissioner of police (traffic) told the court earlier that a large number of four and two-wheeler drivers were using mobile phones while driving, which was not permissible under the law, thereby causing accidents.

The Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court in its order issued on April 27 said, "We are of the opinion that the drivers of four and two-wheelers are usually using mobile (phone) while driving the vehicles, which is why a number of accidents take place".

The court in its order further directed the traffic police on duty to obtain a photograph and details of the driver found using a phone while driving and forward those to the concerned RTO for cancellation of their licence.

However, the transport department has been asked to initiate proceedings for cancellation of the driving licence strictly in accordance with the law and after providing an opportunity for a hearing.

In India, the use of mobile phones while driving is illegal under the Motor Vehicles Act.