Using a mobile phone whilst driving

Using a mobile phone whilst driving is against the law and you should never do it.
 
Mobile phones are great for getting help or reporting trouble but when twinned with driving they pose significant danger.
 
If you use a mobile phone while driving you are four times more likely to crash as you will not register hazards or react as quickly, with mobile phone use slowing reaction times by some 50 percent.
 
If you are caught using a mobile phone while driving the penalty is:
  • A fixed penalty of £60
  • 3 penalty points
  • If the case goes to court, a maximum fine of £1,000, discretionary disqualification and 3 points
  • Higher insurance premiums
  • A fine of up to £2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles or passengers carrying vehicles with 9 or more passenger seats
 
The penalties above don’t just apply to hand-held phones. The same applies to hands-free phones if you are distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle.
 
If you call someone and they are driving, ask them to call you back when they reach their destination – you don’t want to be responsible for causing them to crash!
 
When can you use a mobile phone in the car?
If you have a hand-held phone you should only ever use your phone in the car:
  • To call 999 in an emergency where it is unsafe or impractical to stop
  • When safely parked with the engine switched off
  • When you are a passenger.
 
You must not use a hand-held mobile phone while supervising a driver who only has a provisional licence.
 
What about other mobile devices?
Using other mobile devices for sending or receiving data while driving is also an offence, this includes Blackberries and PDAs with mobile phones incorporated.
 
How can a police officer prove that I was on the phone?
If you drive poorly and a police officer stops you for poor driving, if it goes to court your phone records can be checked to determine whether you were using your phone.


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