Driver safety - mobile phones

It’s illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device while driving

It is illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device while driving or riding a motorcycle.

The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

The facts

Studies show that drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards. Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash. The law states it’s 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. This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline.

For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web. The law still applies to you 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

Exceptions

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 stop
you’re safely parked
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

Using devices hands-free

You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage. Hands-free access means using, for example:

a Bluetooth headset a built-in sat nav or voice command
A Dashboard holder or mat
a windscreen mounts
a built-in sat nav

The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.

Staying in full control of your vehicle

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.

Penalties

You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle. You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years.

You can get 3 penalty points if you do not 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: