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The Use of Mobile Phones Whilst Driving


Using a mobile phone whilst driving can be extremely dangerous as it reduces your control over the vehicle and can make you more likely to have an accident. Research shows that your reactions can be up to 50% slower when using a mobile phone. This is even slower than driving under the influence of alcohol!

For the safety and protection of all road users and pedestrians, it is now illegal to use a mobile phone or hand held device whilst driving.

Here is some advice and information about the use of mobile phones when behind the wheel:

The Law

It is illegal to use a hand held mobile phone or device whilst driving any type of vehicle, including a motorbike. A hand held device is defined as something that must be held at some point during the course of making or receiving a call or performing any other interactive communication function. This could be a mobile phone, a PDA, a Blackberry or other similar gadget. However the use of 2-way radio equipment is not a specific offence.

Driving is defined as using a motor vehicle on any public road. This includes when you are stuck in traffic jams (unless your engine is turned off), at a red light and even in a car park. If you really need to make a phone call you must park in a safe place and turn off the engine. Never stop on the hard shoulder to make a phone call as this can be dangerous for yourself and other road users.

The law only extends to the driver of the vehicle; passengers are permitted to make phone calls whilst the vehicle is in motion.

The Consequences

If you are caught using a hand held device whilst in charge of a vehicle (this includes when supervising a learner driver) you will receive an on the spot fine of £60 and 3 penalty points. If the case is taken to court you face a maximum fine of £1000 and possible disqualification from driving.

If you are involved in an accident as a result of using a hand held device you can face severe penalties including imprisonment.

Emergencies

In a genuine emergency you may call 999 from a hand held device, but only if it is dangerous or impractical to stop the vehicle. This is the only exception to the law.

Hands Free Devices

The law does not prohibit the use of hands free devices; however such equipment can still be distracting and dangerous to use. If the police have reason to believe you are driving dangerously as a result of using a hands free device you can be prosecuted for failing to have proper control of the vehicle. The safest solution is to avoid the use of all devices whilst driving.