The New Zealand Herald reports a survey carried out for the New Zealand Transport Agency last month found 96% of drivers were aware they would be breaking the law by texting or talking on a hand-held mobile phone once the new laws came into force.
And just to be sure, Vodafone has sent text message reminders to half its customers this week suggesting they pull over to take a call, or turn off their hand-held cellphones while driving.
External communications manager Paul Brinslen told the Otago Daily Times 1.25 million text reminders had been sent.
"Our point of view is that a hands-free kit isn't necessarily the best option. The best option is to pull over and take the call in a stationary vehicle."
Dunedin cellphone retailers this week were still waiting for a rush on hands-free phone kits.
Those spoken to reported an increase in inquiries but no strong upsurge in sales.
Chantelle Rowe, manager of First Mobile, said there were "definitely a lot of people coming in" requesting information.
"Sales have increased but I don't think it's huge at this stage."
She expected more of a rush over the next few weeks "when people realise they are actually going to get pinged".
As reported previously, the cheapest option motorists appear to have is a $20 magnetic clip, to mount their hand-held phones on their vehicle's dashboard, combined with a $15 earpiece with microphone.
Retailers report most inquiries from the public are focused on more sophisticated hands-free kits, with speakers rather than headsets, and ranging from $120 to $250.
The new rules banning hand-held phones apply to all vehicles, including bicycles, motorcycles and mobility scooters.
The agency notes the number of crashes associated with cellphone use has increased "steadily" over the past five years with one study suggesting a fourfold increase in the risk.
The other new rules
The imminent ban on the use of hand-held cellphones in cars has overshadowed a range of other new road and footpath rules due to come into effect on November 1.
In future, for instance, posties and newspaper deliverers (with permits) will be able to ride their motorbikes on footpaths, cyclists will not need to signal at roundabouts and buses will not have to stop at railway crossings, unless the red lights are flashing.
As well, under the new Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule, motorcyclists and moped riders with machines manufactured since 1979 will be required to ride with their headlights on at all times in a bid to stem the increase in crash casualties.
Those who do not risk a $100 fine.
Drivers towing another vehicle with a "non rigid" towing system could be fined up to $630 for exceeding a 50kmh speed limit but could also face more serious charges.
Parking that leads to damage of ornamental grass plots could lead to a $40 fine and the amendment clarifies other rules including the requirement to use a safety chain fitted to a trailer.
The amendment also clarifies the obligations of users of "shared paths".
A pedestrian, cyclist, mobility scooter driver or skateboarder can be fined $35 for using a path inconsiderately.
It is also being proposed that the user of a shared path could be fined $100 for travelling at a hazardous speed.
Drivers of buses, including school buses, will be able to treat railway crossings in the same way as other motorists.
The rule has been changed because of incidents of motorists taking unsafe evasive action to avoid buses that had stopped.
