Hands-free kits selling out before law change 

Source: ONE News

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In just two days you will need a hands-free kit if you want to talk on the phone when you're on the road, but getting one before the law comes into force could be difficult as the industry struggles to keep up with demand.

From November 1 those caught talking on the phone or texting while driving face $80 fines and 20 demerit points.

Phones have come under fire in recent years as drivers, distracted by talking or texting, have been  increasingly blamed for crashes. Drivers will be able to use hands-free devices and two-way radios under the ban and there will also be an exemption for 111 calls.

There are 1.3 million vehicles in New Zealand which could be fitted with hands-free kits, but stockists say there simply aren't enough to go around.

Telecom spokesperson Rebecca Earl says sales have already jumped by up to 200% at its stores. And The Warehouse says it has also seen a "significant" spike in sales over the past month and expects demand to be even higher once the law kicks in.

Craig Douglas from Dick Smith Electronics says they have struggled to keep stock on shelves and are getting stock in on a daily basis to replenish the shelves.

Meanwhile, most installing services are already booked out as many companies start kitting out their fleet with hands free kits.

But some employers are still weighing up the costs.

"Not all businesses are going to be able to accommodate the cost," says David Lowe from the Employers and Manufacturers Association.

"It is going to be a balancing act around all the other needs that businesses have right now."

But if drivers want a hands free kit they don't need to spend a fortune with the cheapest and most simple earpiece costing about $50.