Avoid hefty fines and driving penalties by staying off your phone while driving in the UK – stick to hands-free systems or park safely to use your device.
We live our lives through our phones these days. Whether it’s keeping up with loved ones, sorting our bills, or doomscrolling the TikTok feed, you’re not alone in having a hard time coming unstuck from your phone.
However, the moment we let our phones divert our attention, we open the door to serious risks – not just for ourselves but for everyone sharing the road. In 2022 alone, 22 people were killed and 652 injured in road traffic collisions according to DLVA statistics.
For drivers, especially those grappling with bad credit, avoiding mobile phone fines is more crucial than ever. These fines can exacerbate financial difficulties and add greater stress behind the wheel. Read on to understand the UK law in 2024 and how you can avoid phone-related fines!
The surge in distracted driving incidents has led to a troubling rise in accidents, injuries, and tragic fatalities.
Is It Illegal to Use Your Phone While Driving?
Yes, using your mobile phone while driving is illegal in the UK.
The regulations prohibit any use of handheld devices while operating a vehicle, which includes making calls, texting, browsing social media, or even taking photos.
While many drivers mistakenly believe that they can use their phone when stopped at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic – this is not the case. If you are caught using your phone in these situations, you could still face penalties.
2022 Law Changes
If you wondered why you can no longer use your phone for activities like scrolling through playlists, it is down to the 2022 law changes.
The new law explicitly prohibits any interaction with your phone while behind the wheel, regardless of the activity.
These changes mean that everyday drivers must now be more vigilant than ever. By avoiding phone usage altogether, drivers can not only protect themselves but also contribute to safer roads for everyone.
Are There Any Exceptions In The Law?
While the law regarding mobile phone use while driving is strict, there are a few exceptions where using your phone is permissible. Understanding these exceptions can help drivers navigate the regulations without inadvertently breaking the law.
- Emergency Calls: In the event of an emergency, you are allowed to use your mobile phone to make a call to emergency services (999) while driving. Try to ensure you do it from a safe position however, such as pulling over to the side of the road before making the call.
- Safely Parked Vehicles: If your vehicle is safely parked – meaning it is not running, and you are not in traffic – you can use your phone without breaking the law. This includes checking messages, making calls, or using apps.
- Contactless Payments at Drive-Thrus: Another exception allows for contactless payments at drive-thrus. If you need to use your mobile phone to make a payment while in the drive-thru lane, it is permitted.
What Are The Consequences of Using Your Phone While Driving
If you are caught using your phone while driving, you can expect to receive a £200 fine and six penalty points on their driving licence. Accumulating these points can have severe implications, especially for new drivers.
Under the New Driver Act (1995), if you reach six points within your first two years of passing your driving test, you may lose your licence altogether. That’s a lot of hassle and money to retake both your theory and practical tests.
For repeat offenders or those involved in serious accidents, the penalties escalate dramatically. Court-imposed fines can reach up to £1,000, with the possibility of a driving ban. Causing harm can lead to charges of dangerous driving or causing injury.
How To Safely Use Your Phone While Driving
While it’s essential to avoid using your mobile phone while driving, there are legal ways to use your device safely – here’s how.
Hands-Free Use
According to current regulations, you can use a hands-free phone system as long as you do not have to hold the device or interact with it in a way that distracts you from driving. This can be achieved through two primary ways:
- Bluetooth Connection: Ensure your phone is paired with your car’s Bluetooth system before you start driving. This allows you to make and receive calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Voice Commands: Familiarise yourself with your phone’s voice command features. Most smartphones have built-in voice assistants (like Siri or Google Assistant) that enable you to send messages or make calls using simple voice commands, minimising the need for manual interaction.
Using Your Phone as a Sat Nav
Using your phone for navigation is a common practice, but it must be done safely:
- Mount Your Phone: Invest in a phone mount that keeps your device securely positioned within your line of sight, preferably at eye level. This way, you won’t need to hold or look down at your phone while driving.
- Set Your Route Before Driving: Input your destination and start the navigation before you begin your journey. This will allow you to focus on the road and minimise distractions.
- Use Audio Directions: Make sure your navigation app is set to provide audio directions, so you can hear instructions without having to look at the screen.
Conclusion
Using a mobile phone while driving creates a distraction that can cause serious accidents. As such, the penalties for using your phone on the road are severe, including hefty fines, points on your driving licence, and the potential loss of your licence.
By using hands-free devices legally and setting boundaries for phone usage, you can communicate effectively without compromising your safety. Stay informed, stay focused, and drive responsibly to keep the roads safe for everyone!
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