A recent case in the Mudgee Local Court has confirmed that it is a breach of the road rules to use a mobile phone whilst riding a horse. A local man was stopped by police because he was riding the horse with a phone held to his ear. The Magistrate made clear that a horse is classified as a vehicle under the road rules and therefore a mobile phone cannot be used unless a hands-free device is attached to the horse. The rider plead guilty and the magistrate did not record a criminal conviction, noting that it is a quiet rural area and labelling the matter as trivial. Regardless, it is an important reminder for all riders to ensure that they comply with the road rules.
