Bonn, Germany  - A muddled motorist who was vainly trying to make a call on the wrong phone has been fined in Germany, with a judge saying he should have had both hands on the steering wheel.

The bumbling construction engineer had taken with him a cordless phone which only works inside his home. Police pulled his Porsche over when they saw him dialling on it.

The Bonn judge said it was an offence under German road law to pick up any phone while driving, even one that does not work. She confirmed an instant fine of 40 euros
(56 dollars). The engineer is to appeal.(dpa)