If you’re anything like me, when you talk on your handheld phone while driving the car, you feel a twinge of guilt. You know it’s probably dangerous – the research backs you up on that – yet you continue to do it because it’s legal. Well that’s all about to change.

As of next month you will no longer be able to legally use a hand held phone while driving. And while the fine of $80 may not be a deterrent to some, the awarding of twenty demerit points just might.

The law change does, however, allow the use of hands free devices, and Bluetooth technology may just be your saviour.

So what is Bluetooth?

In short, Bluetooth is a low power, short range, wireless networking technology. It’s not new either, having first hit the scene in 1998, and is now considered the industry standard. It’s more complicated than that but I’m sure you really don’t want to know.

How do you get Bluetooth for your phone and car?

Because it’s no longer that new, it’s readily available at relatively affordable prices. Your current phone may already be Bluetooth equipped. Chances are, if your phone has a fancy camera, stores thousands of songs, plays high definition videos, is waterproof to 800 metres and can cook a three course meal – and let’s face it, whose phone doesn’t – then it’s probably Bluetooth ready. Now all you need is the hands free part. If, however, your phone is like mine and widely considered to be the mobile equivalent of two cans and a piece of string, then it may be time for a new phone as well. Bluetooth compatible phones start from around $100.

There are several routes you can take when it comes to turning your car into a hands free communication zone and the market is awash with clever products boasting features that’ll cause many an eye to glaze over. So, with this in mind, let’s focus briefly on the headset and the car kit solutions.

The headset

The Bluetooth headset is a cunning device that hooks onto your ear and allows you to talk on your phone without holding it to your ear. They are a small, discreet unit that often have a small blue flashing light on the side. I believe this is to indicate that the person is otherwise engaged in a conversation and should not be interrupted, or maybe it’s just because it looks cool – the jury’s still out on that one though. If you come across a person in the supermarket apparently having a conversation with themselves, look out for the blue light. If there’s no blue light then they are likely just suffering from grocery shopping fatigue. Either way, stay clear of these people.

These headsets can be used in the car to answer calls, end calls and talk. If you want to dial a contact, you’ll need a phone that can be voice activated. Some headsets can perform voice dialling too.

They are battery operated and have a range of around 10m from your phone, so, unless you’ve left your phone in the boot of your super-stretched limo, you’ll be fine as long as it’s somewhere in the car.

Prices for Bluetooth headsets start at around $50 and go up from there. Just make sure that the headset you are looking at buying is compatible with your phone.

Bluetooth car kits

As the name suggests, Bluetooth car kits are designed specifically for use in the car. They come in two main types; the portable variety and the fixed variety that is hard wired into your car.

The portable type may clip onto your sun visor, for example, and is powered by a rechargeable battery or the car’s cigarette lighter. They are essentially a speaker phone but come with a range of features that, amongst other things, allow you to answer calls, dial contacts and end calls with the touch of a button or by using your best speaking voice in the case of voice activated models. Some voice activated models use a function known as “Text to Speech” that allows you to keep your eyes on the road at all times. They will synchronize with your phone and automatically download your contacts. Then when you want to dial one of your contacts you just say their name and they will be automatically dialled. The device will also tell you who is calling when one of your contacts calls you; a particularly useful feature when you owe a lot of people money.

The portable type has the advantage of being transportable so you can use it in another car. Prices for portable devices start at around $80 and go up from there depending on which features you’ll need.

The fixed type is professionally fitted to your car and is powered by the car’s electrics. They start working as soon as the ignition is switched on. As long as your phone is with you, you’re automatically connected. Calls are played through the car stereo speakers and will typically mute the stereo when answering or making a call. You can also use voice activation for pretty much everything. This type of kit starts at around $200 plus fitting charges.

Now if texting is more your thing then I’m afraid your best option currently is to make use of your car’s steering wheel and brake pedal and pull over. There are systems available in other parts of the world that facilitate texting using voice recognition technology, but how do you say “thx m8 c u l8r”? No doubt men in white coats are working on a solution to this right now.
So clearly, come November 1st, there will be no need to dice with death or the authorities. Then all you’ll have to feel guilty about is allowing your workmate on the end of the phone to confess to taking a sickie before informing them that the boss is sitting in your passenger seat.