When are you allowed to use a mobile phone while driving?

Using a mobile phone while driving is strictly regulated to ensure the safety of all road users. The correct answer centers on the use of hands-free devices, which allows drivers to maintain control of their vehicle while using their phone for essential communication. When using a hands-free device, the driver can keep both hands on the wheel and their focus on the road, thus reducing the risk of distractions that may lead to accidents.

In contrast, other options do not prioritize road safety. For instance, stopping at a red light does not permit the use of a mobile phone, as the vehicle is still considered in a driving situation even if stationary. Additionally, limitations based on speed, such as the allowance to use a mobile phone only when driving under 40 km/h, do not align with safe driving practices—distractions can occur irrespective of how fast one is traveling. Lastly, the suggestion that it might be acceptable to use a mobile phone while driving in rural areas ignores the fundamental necessity of focusing on driving at all times, regardless of the environment. Thus, hands-free usage stands out as the only safe and acceptable scenario for using a mobile device while driving.