The law – using mobile phones whilst driving
2263 CRASHES WERE CAUSED BY DRIVERS USING A MOBILE PHONE BETWEEN 2013 AND 2017
33 FATAL CRASHES IN 2017
25% ADMITTED TO TALKING ON A HANDHELD PHONE WHILE DRIVING IN 2018
40% SAID THEY CHECKED TEXTS OR SOCIAL MEDIA WHEN DRIVING
The law – using mobile phones whilst driving
It’s illegal to hold a mobile phone or sat-nav while driving or riding a motorcycle. You must have hands-free access, such as:
- a Bluetooth headset
- voice command
- a dashboard holder or mat
- a windscreen mount
- a built-in sat-nav
The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.
You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted, and you can be prosecuted.
The law still applies to you if you’re:
- stopped at traffic lights
- queuing in traffic
- supervising a learner driver
When you can use a hand-held phone
You can use a hand-held or mobile phone if either of these apply:
- you’re safely parked
- you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
Penalties
You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held or mobile phone when driving. You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years.
You can get 3 penalty points if you don’t have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.
You can also be taken to court where you can:
- be banned from driving or riding
- get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)