UK mobile phone driving laws explained by the RAC
Motorists could be hit with sanctions for simply touching their mobile phones after a series of driving law updates were introduced last year.
According to cinch, those caught out will be hit with a £200 fine and six penalty points on their driving licence.
However, these charges can rise to £1,000 if a driver is taken to court on the back of an infringement.
Fees are also higher for bus and lorry drivers with the maximum penalty rising to a staggering £2,500.
Tweaks to the Highway Code in March 2022 closed a loophole which allowed drivers to avoid prosecution if they were taking photos or even playing games behind the wheel.
READ MORE Parents are putting children in ‘danger’ as campaigners demand rule change
They could claim their mobile was not being sued for “interactive communication” which prompted the key update.
Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch said: “Bear in mind that the law about mobile phone use applies in most situations where you might be easily tempted to pick up your device for a quick check.
“Queueing in traffic or waiting patiently at the traffic light? Even if you’re not currently on the move, you must leave your phone where it is.”
But thousands of drivers may not be up to date with updates putting many families at risk.
Last October, car insurance company Veygo found almost one-third of drivers (31 percent) did not know the new guidelines.
DON’T MISS
Drivers unaware of ‘legal requirement’ which could see lead to £5,000 fine[LATEST]
Drivers urged to ‘think twice’ as motorists have cars stolen by robots[ANALYSIS]
Road sign baffling drivers and the weird road law it depicts explained[COMMENT]
But the research found support among motorists with 85 percent agreeing with the laws.
Sheehan added: “To ensure you’re safe on the road, leave your handheld device in the glovebox, central console or, if you’re using it as a sat nav, in a phone holder mounted on your windscreen or dashboard – as long as it is not obstructing your view.
“It’s ok to operate your phone in hands-free mode but you need to make sure you’re paying full attention to the road around you.”
The Government’s decision to clamp down on the rule came after a rise in the number of violations.
According to the Daily Mail, 19,655 penalty notices were dished out in 2021 compared to 17,873 the previous year.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info
Former Transport Secretary Grant Shapps backed the new Highway Code changes when they were launched.
He commented: “I will do everything in my power to keep road users safe, which is why I’m taking a zero-tolerance approach to those who decide to risk lives by using their phone behind the wheel.”
“I’m ensuring anyone who chooses to break this vital law can face punishment for doing so, and we will continue our efforts to ensure our roads remain among the safest in the world.”
Source: Read Full Article