Using our radios

[Crs]

I, and others, were wondering if using the club's new Icom radios was a violation of BC's Distracted Driver (anti cell phone in car) law. I have been investigating..., but first...

I am NOT a lawyer! I'm posting the results of my google search and members can draw their own conclusions! :mrgreen:

The BC government has posted a PDF outlining the rules at http://www.bchighway.com/pdf/bccellphonerules.pdf
I've pasted the relevant section below. I think you will find it interesting. :D

A “hand microphone” is a 1⁄2 duplex communication device used principally for commercial purposes (e.g., delivery business). The devices consists of a hand-held unit that:
• Is both receiver and microphone;
• Is operated by a push and hold to talk function; and
• Allows for oral communication, but not for the transmission and receipt of
oral communication at the same time.
A person may use a hand microphone while driving if:
• The device is within easy reach of the driver’s seat; and
• The device is not held in the hand; and
Is securely fixed to the motor vehicle or worn securely on the person’s body in a manner that does not obstruct the person’s view of the front or sides of the motor vehicle or interfere with the safety or operating equipment of the motor vehicle.

[Arcades]

You can use a hand microphone if its not held in the hand???

[RobTheGob]

You're looking at the wrong section of your document. The radios in the group buy are permitted by the "Two-way Radio" section of your document:

Two way radios are ½ duplex communication devices used principally for commercial purposes and by amateur radio operators licensed through Industry Canada under the Radiocommunication Act (Canada). The devices consist of a microphone and receiver unit connected by a wire that:

• Is operated by a push and hold to talk function, and
• Allows for oral communication, but not for the transmission and receipt of oral communication at the same time; and
•The transmission of sound is over a set radio frequency.

But... If you expect a cop on the side of the road to let you off - I'd make sure you are carrying your amateur license!!

[Greg S]

As a licensed amateur radio operator, you are allowed to use a microphone on your amateur radio due to a specific exemption in the act as in the above post.

If you read it carefully, you may see an argument that you wouldn't legally be able to talk directly into a hand held radio, amateur or not. If the hand held has a remote microphone attached, you could talk into that.

Greg S
VA7 IIA

[sailourboy]

Looks like a Basic course is also being offered in KELOWNA in April:

http://www.ocarc.ca/


Cheers
Ted