New Mobile Phone Laws
Rules for the use of mobile phones when driving have been updated and will come in to force on 25 March 2022. This will make it illegal to use a hand-held device in virtually any circumstances while driving. Hand-held devices include mobile phones, sat-navs, tablets or smartwatches with a phone function.
The facts
Did you know that you are four times more likely to have an accident if you use a mobile device when driving?
- Studies show that drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards.
- Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in an accident.
As drivers, whether privately or in carrying out the business of the council, we must always drive safely and within the boundaries of the law. You must stay in control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you are not in control because you are distracted and you can be prosecuted.
The law
- It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone or similar device when driving, stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
- You will receive a fine of £200 and six penalty points if you are caught using a handheld phone while driving. Points on your licence could result in higher insurance premiums.
- It is illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver.
- Newly qualified drivers will lose their licence if they get six or more penalty points within two years of passing their test.
- You can be prosecuted for using a hands-free phone or similar device if you are distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle. The same penalties apply as for handheld phones.
- If found driving carelessly or dangerously when using a hand held or hands-free phone could result in disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.
- Employers could be prosecuted if employees are distracted because of them being required to use their mobile phones while driving.
New rules include:
- A ban on drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through music playlists or play games.
- Phones can be used as sat-navs but must be held in a cradle fixed to the windscreen or dashboard. This must not obstruct your view or require any further interaction with it while driving.
Callers should hang up too. If you ring someone, they answer and you realise that they are driving, tell them to switch off and hang up.
Read the council’s Driving Safely Policy for further specific information as this policy prohibits the use of mobile phones, including hands-free, while driving.