Driving and Using Mobile Devices

Dear Residents,

- It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle on the roads in the UK.

- Even using a hands-free option can incur penalties if your driving is deemed to be dangerous.

- The police have the right to stop you if they think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle, and you can be prosecuted.

- It’s still illegal to use your hand held mobile device if you're:

- Stopped at traffic lights

- Queuing in traffic

- Supervising a learner driver

- Driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving

- Holding and using a device that's offline or in flight mode when driving your car

- You can use a hand-held phone when:

- You’re safely parked and engine off

- You need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

- You're making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant

- You're using the device to park your vehicle remotely

- You could receive a fixed penalty fine of £200 and six penalty points on your licence if you use a hand-held phone when driving.

- If you get six points within two years of passing your test you will lose your licence.

- You can get three penalty points if you don’t have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.

- You can also be taken to court where you can:

- Be banned from driving or riding

- Get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)

Having points on your licence will result in higher insurance costs.

kind regards.