Using a phone while driving: UK laws and fines explained

USING your mobile phone whilst driving could land you in serious trouble, as you are endangering yourself and other road users.

Here, we look at the rules regarding using a phone whilst driving and how you can stay on the right side of the law.

It has been illegal to use a mobile phone for calls or texts whilst driving since 2003.

However, this only covered small parts of the law, like actually holding the phone to your ear whilst on a call.

On March 25, 2022, it became an offence to hold a mobile phone whilst driving.

This now covers touching or swiping the phone screen.

This also applies to being stopped in traffic or waiting at the traffic lights.

Film director Guy Ritchie was banned from driving for six months in July 2020 after being caught texting at the wheel whilst waiting in traffic.

There are exceptions to this rule though. For example, using your phone to pay contactless at a drive through restaurant is allowed.

When taking this into account, it is probably best to park safely and turn off your engine before using your telephone or other electronic device.

Can I use hands-free while driving?

You can use hands-free phones – as long as you don't press any buttons  – sat navs and two-way radios when you’re driving or riding.

The in-car touchscreen dashboard is not exempt from penalties as the director of Nationwide Vehicle Contract Keith Hawes has warned about using these too.

Keith said: “Touchscreens have become a common addition to modern vehicles, and the more complex they become, the more distracting they can be.

"If you are found to be not properly in control of your vehicle as a result of using dashboard gadgets or hands-free devices you could still be prosecuted.“

But if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could still get stopped and penalised. The law also applies to those riding a motorcycle.

Any hands-free devices should be fully set up before you start your ride.

Can I be fined for using my phone while driving?

Drivers could be hit with a £200 charge, but there's a chance you could be taken to court and fined a maximum of £1,000.

In this instance, drivers may face a driving ban for their actions.

You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last two years.

Can I get points added to my licence?

Previously, drivers caught on their phones received three penalty points.

But government legislation doubled the amount to six points.

As new drivers only start with six points for their first two years on the road, a conviction will mean your licence being revoked - meaning you have to retake both your theory and practical test.

Previously, motorists in some police force areas could avoid points by taking a remedial driving course.

But ministers believed it wasn't tough enough so now those caught using a mobile phone for the first time automatically receive six penalty points.

What's the roadside detection system?

The scanning system was trialled in Norwich in 2018 to automatically track detect drivers who are using phones.

It worked by sensing if a phone is in use in a car — and a symbol of a mobile with a line through it then flashed up on a sign as cars pass.

The equipment didn't record plates or issue fines but data was be shared with police.

It was also unable to tell whether a driver or passenger is using a handset.

It was trialled in Norfolk but was not expanded to the rest of the UK.

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