Mobile phones and driving don't mix

The penalty for driving whilst using a hand held mobile is £60 plus three points added to your driving licence.

Mobile phones have many benefits. They provide security and can be a great help in an emergency. Tests have shown a driver cannot help being distracted by a phone call or text message. If you are distracted, you will not register hazards or react quickly. A conversation on a hands-free phone is no less distracting than using a hand-held one.

Points on your licence

Points can mean higher insurance costs.

You don't have to be caught many times to be disqualified. If you get just six points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence under the New Drivers Act. You can now also face up to 2 years in prison.

You can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile phone if you are not in proper control of your vehicle. The penalties will be the same as for using a hand-held phone. And the penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using any phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

If you are an employer you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive mobile calls while driving. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.

Remember

• In serious cases penalties can include an unlimited fine, driving ban and imprisonment.
• You cannot be in full control of your vehicle if you are using a mobile phone
• You're four times more likely to have an crash if you use a mobile phone when driving
• If you are driving, keep the phone switched off, use your voicemail or message service
• If you have called someone that is driving, please terminate the call and speak to them later.         

For further information please follow the link below to the Think Road Safety website for detailed information on mobile phone legislation.