Mauritius to Legalise Hands-Free Phone Use While Driving

The Mauritian government is preparing to formally legalise the use of hands-free devices while driving, according to a report by Le Défi Media. The move aims to explicitly codify what has existed as a legal ambiguity in local road traffic legislation — bringing Mauritius in line with international standards followed by many developed nations. Currently, Mauritian law prohibits the use of a handheld mobile phone while driving, but the status of hands-free kits, Bluetooth earpieces, and integrated car systems has remained unclear. This legislative gap has created inconsistency in enforcement, with drivers unsure whether using a speakerphone mounted on a dashboard or a wireless earpiece could still result in a fine or prosecution. By explicitly authorising hands-free communication, the government would not only provide clarity to road users but also align national legislation with the realities of modern driving. Today's vehicles increasingly come equipped with integrated communication systems — from steering-wheel-mounted controls to full voice-command infotainment platforms — making an outdated blanket interpretation of the mobile phone ban both impractical and arguably counterproductive. However, the reform raises an important public safety question that the legislation must address carefully. Research from institutions such as the UK's Transport Research Laboratory has consistently shown that even hands-free conversations can significantly impair a driver's reaction time and situational awareness. The cognitive distraction of a phone conversation — hands-free or not — remains a measurable risk factor in road accidents. This means the government's proposed amendment, while welcome for its legal clarity, should ideally be accompanied by a robust public awareness campaign. Mauritian road safety advocates may push for the legislation to draw a clear distinction between passive audio use — such as music or navigation — and active phone conversations, which demand greater mental engagement from the driver. With road fatalities remaining a persistent concern in Mauritius, any update to traffic law carries significant weight. Getting the balance right between modernising legislation and protecting road users will be key to making this reform a genuine step forward rather than simply a regulatory tick-box exercise. The government has not yet announced a timeline for when the amendment would be tabled before the National Assembly.