Brits have been reminded that there are only four reasons you can use your phone in your car. If you are caught doing so in any other circumstances, you could be fined up to £1,000.
On its website, the Government warns that using your mobile phone or sat nav while not fully “safely parked” could result in a fine of up to £1,000 and a ban from driving. This is because it is actually 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 even if you are stopped at traffic lights.
The law also still applies to you if you’re:
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Stopping in traffic (even at lights or junctions)
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Stopped at traffic lights
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In a queue of traffic (even if moving slowly)
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:
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Receive an unlimited fine
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Be disqualified from driving
However, there are exceptions to these rules. You can use a device held in your hand if:
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You are safely parked (engine off, handbrake on)
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You are making an emergency call (112 or 999)
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You are calling 101 (non-emergency police number)
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:
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Bluetooth headsets or earpieces
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Voice-activated systems (e.g., Siri, Google Assistant)
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Dashboard cradles or mounts (phone stays fixed, no touching)
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Built-in car infotainment (e.g., Apple CarPlay, Android Auto)
But 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.”