meanwhile, in traffic...

[DrYes]

I take it you have to remove your sim, cover and battery if you get caught?

[Archer]

Don't get me wrong here I've seen people drive like blind people while on the phone but I don't understand how the police can take your property without a warrant... seems like theft to me.

To me this is the wrong way to go about this and it sets a really disturbing precedent.

Explain how this is different to confiscating other things (without a warrant), like a firearm that you do not have a license for, or drugs, or when your car gets impounded due to you parking in violation of the law?

[droplet]

Explain how this is different to confiscating other things (without a warrant), like a firearm that you do not have a license for, or drugs, or when your car gets impounded due to you parking in violation of the law?

nicely put

[TJ99]

Explain how this is different to confiscating other things (without a warrant), like a firearm that you do not have a license for, or drugs, or when your car gets impounded due to you violating traffic laws?

It's different because in all those cases, you get arrested. And if you're unlawully arrested (for e.g traffic violations) and they do take your stuff, you can lay a charge of theft against the police.

[Archer]

It's different because in all those cases, you get arrested. And if you're unlawully arrested (for e.g traffic violations) and they do take your stuff, you can lay a charge of theft against the police.

You get arrested when you park your car on a red line? News to me..... Could you provide a source for that?

[TJ99]

You get arrested when you park your car on a red line? News to me..... Could you provide a source for that?

If you park your car, you are obviously not with it, thus they can't confiscate it. They impound it. If we were talking about people leaving their cellphones unattended in places where they cause an inconvenience, we can talk again. This is theft.

[Fudzy]

It's different because in all those cases, you get arrested. And if you're unlawully arrested (for e.g traffic violations) and they do take your stuff, you can lay a charge of theft against the police.

The items you have on you when you're arrested are registered and put into inventory, it's hardly theft unless those items go missing.

Caught texting/talking while driving, would you rather be without your phone for 24 hours or put into a holding cell WITH your phone for 24 hours?

[TJ99]

The items you have on you when you're arrested are registered and put into inventory, it's hardly theft unless those items go missing.

Caught texting/talking while driving, would you rather be without your phone for 24 hours or put into a holding cell WITH your phone for 24 hours?

Neither, since both are bull****. If I did that, they can fine me, just like for any other minor traffic offence. The punishment should fit the crime, and not invade my privacy in such a way.

[Archer]

If you park your car, you are obviously not with it, thus they can't confiscate it. They impound it. If we were talking about people leaving their cellphones unattended in places where they cause an inconvenience, we can talk again. This is theft.

But thats what is happening to your phone... its impounded (ie you can get it back) You've lost me now...

[MickZA]

Yea but can a police officer simply walk up and take something from you?.

Don't know if you watched the video clip but they have video evidence of offenders using their phones before they are pulled over and confiscate it.

Just love the kugels "I didn't know" routine

[xrapidx]

So again they go for the soft targets with taxi's running around lawlessly.

[MickZA]

Neither, since both are bull****. If I did that, they can fine me, just like for any other minor traffic offence. The punishment should fit the crime, and not invade my privacy in such a way.

They tried that and it didn't work. Let's see what happens when habitual offenders face 24hours of "cold turkey".

[Archer]

So again they go for the soft targets with taxi's running around lawlessly.

I dont know about where you drive, but taxis get pulled off and fine.... every 2 weeks or so on my drive to work and back. Doesnt make a difference cause they are back the next day running amok (and who knows if the fines get paid) but the cops are at least trying to police the taxis according to my small sample size.

[waynegohl]

The lady caught yesterday told the traffic officer that it's difficult to get the sim out the phone so it seems the phone is taken but you get to keep the sim. I still don't understand why cellphones are confiscated but drinking a soda is not. Why are cigarettes not confiscated when you smoke in the car or your radio when you touch the dial or....or.....

You are allowed to use a handsfree kit so I assume talking on a cellphone is allowed but you are not physically allowed to hold it which I don't understand?

[MickZA]

So again they go for the soft targets with taxi's running around lawlessly.

They nailed a taxi driver as well http://www.iol.co.za/motoring/indust...usts-1.1335083