Consumer Forum Raises Concerns Over Bluetooth-Enabled Vehicles

Consumer Forum Raises Concerns Over Bluetooth-Enabled Vehicles

The Coimbatore Consumer Cause has raised concerns with the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways regarding the use of communication devices such as Bluetooth in new models of four-wheelers and two-wheelers. This comes after the Central government banned the use of mobile phones by drivers while on the move, as per Rule 37 of the Motor Vehicle (Driving) Regulations, 2017. The regulation allows for the use of devices fixed on the dashboard solely for route navigation, as long as it does not disturb the driver's concentration while driving.

In the petition, K. Kathirmathiyon, Secretary of Coimbatore Consumer Cause, described the provision as "absurd" and pointed out that while providing such features in vehicles is legal, their usage while driving is illegal.

According to K. Kathirmathiyon, a similar contradiction exists with air horns that release high-decibel, musical, and multi-toned sounds. Despite being explicitly prohibited under the Motor Vehicles Rules, such air horns are legally manufactured and sold in automobile stores, and become unlawful only when used in vehicles.

The petition called for an immediate halt on the manufacture and registration of vehicles equipped with hands-free mobile facilities (such as Bluetooth), as well as a ban on the registration of new vehicles with such features by the transport authorities.

If the government allows the use of other communication devices such as Bluetooth, other than handheld mobile phones, the Motor Vehicle Driving Regulations should be amended accordingly, the petition stated.

The petition highlights the current confusion among law enforcement authorities regarding the legality of using Bluetooth communication devices for speaking while driving.