Drivers face fines of up to £1,000 for a lesser-known rule. Breaking this law could also land you six points on your licence.
While most motorists likely know it is illegal to use your phone while driving, many may not be aware that doing so while not fully “safely parked” could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a ban from driving.
This is still the case in five situations you might not be aware of.
It is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. As a result you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline.
This includes texting, making calls, taking photos or videos, or browsing the web.
Where this may catch people out is the fact that this law still applies in some specific circumstances.
The law also still applies to you if you’re:
Stopped at traffic lightsQueuing in trafficSupervising a learner driverDriving a car that turns off the engine when you stop movingHolding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode
If you are caught doing any of the above you could be issued six penalty points on your licence. It can also result in a fine of £200.
The penalties are tougher if you’re a new driver as you’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last two years.
In some cases you can also be taken to court where you can:
Be banned from driving or ridingGet a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)
Exceptions
There are exceptions to these rules. You can use a device held in your hand if:
You need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stopYou’re safely parkedYou’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurantYou’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely
You can also use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage. Examples of hands-free access include:
A Bluetooth headsetVoice commandA dashboard holder or matA windscreen mountA built-in sat nav
However, the device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.
The Government website says: “You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.”
