Mobile Phone Law

Using a hand-held mobile telephone while at the wheel is illegal.

Anyone caught on a hand-held phone while driving will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a £1,000 fine if the matter goes to court (£2,500 if the driver is driving a lorry or a bus).

“You are four times more likely to have a crash when you are using a mobile phone.”

This is because you are unable to concentrate fully on two things at the same time and you are not in full control of your vehicle.
To drive safely you must focus your full attention on the road.

The law has raised many questions from uncertain drivers, so here, in full, are the answers you need.

Your mobile phone law queries answered

Can I use my hands-free phone?
If you can work your phone without holding it, then yes.

What about if it’s in a cradle?
Again, if you don’t hold the phone, you’re fine. Pushing buttons on a phone that’s in a cradle or on a steering wheel or handlebars is not prohibited.

So is using a hands-free not dangerous then?
Using a hands-free phone is distracting. You still risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of your vehicle. If you have an accident and are using a hands-free phone you can still be charged with careless or dangerous driving.

Can I txt?
If you have to hold your phone to text, you can’t do it. Neither can you use Internet or video technology.

Can I use my phone between my shoulder and my ear?
Absolutely not. This still counts as holding the phone to make or receive a call.

So can my passengers use their mobiles while I’m driving?
Yes.

I’m stuck in a traffic jam, what then?
The ban still applies. The ban applies when driving and driving includes time stopped at traffic lights or other hold-ups when a vehicle is expected to move off after a short while. The exception exists in lengthy tailbacks when engines are turned off.