New penalties introduced by the Government mean that you could receive an on-the-spot fine of £60 and three instantly endorsable penalty points if you ignore the driving legislation and use a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel.
What does the law mean to me?
The Facts!
- It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving; irrespective of whether you’re speaking, texting or using any other services on the phone.
- The law also applies to other electronic devices such as PDAs and personal organisers while driving.
- It is illegal to use a hand-held phone even when waiting at traffic lights or during small traffic jams as you are still considered to be driving under the new legislation.
- Driving instructors accompanying learner drivers are still deemed in control of a vehicle and should not use a hand-held mobile phone while instructing.
- Emergency 999 calls will be exempt from the ban only if it would be unsafe for you to stop to make the call.
You CAN still use your mobile phone while driving IF you use a hands-free mobile phone device to make and receive calls as long as you follow these guidelines:
- Even if you use a hands-free mobile device, you will be breaking the law if you have to hold the mobile phone in order to operate it.
- Your mobile phone must be safely secured in a mounted cradle or holder allowing you to push buttons to answer/end calls with minimal interaction with the phone.
- You must be driving safely. You can still be prosecuted for driving badly even while using a hands-free device.