Thrissur: The police informed that they will take action if the driver speaks with Bluetooth device while driving. The officers further said that no relaxation will be allowed only because the driver is speaking on hands-free. Even driving license can be cancelled if caught red-handed.

The same penalty and punishment given to those who drive holding mobile phone will apply to those speaking on Bluetooth too. In case of any doubts, the police will check the call history of the driver to confirm. The drivers can talk via Bluetooth only after parking the vehicle on roadside, they said.

Earlier, Bluetooth was used for phone conversations only. But after the lockdown, Zoom meeting and Google Meet also are organised with the help of Bluetooth. No matter which means they use, conversations during driving can lead to accidents, the Motor Vehicle Department opined.

The police are unable to detect speaking via Bluetooth as the drivers are wearing masks now. Checking is carried out only if the drivers are spotted talking via Bluetooth or on phone. If the person denies having used Bluetooth, the call history will be examined.

Thrissur Motor Vehicle Inspector N Vinod Kumar said that new Bluetooth technology that does not function in moving vehicles should be introduced to stop this trend of talking over phone while driving.

The SHOs are directed to present the number of reports sent to the RT offices every month recommending cancellation of licenses for violating traffic rules such as talking over phone while driving.