Mobile Phones
The law on using hand-held phones and similar devices while driving
It is illegal to drive a vehicle or ride a motorcycle while using a hand-held mobile phone.
This also applies to any similar device (that must be held at some point) to:
- send or receive spoken or written messages or still or moving images
- access the internet
These devices include smartphones or Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). While driving, you must not use your hand-held mobile phone, smartphone or PDA:
- to make or receive calls
- to send or receive picture and text messages
- to access the internet
- when you're stopped at traffic lights
- when you're queuing in traffic
It’s also illegal to use a hand-held phone when supervising a learner driver or rider. If you're an employer, you can be prosecuted if you ask your employees to make or receive calls while driving.
The penalties for using your phone while driving
If you're caught using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving or riding, you can expect to get an automatic fixed penalty notice. This means you'll get three penalty points on your driving licence and have to pay a fine of £60.
However, your case may go to court. If it does, you may also face disqualification from driving or riding on top of a maximum fine of £1,000. If you're a driver of a bus or goods vehicle, you could face a maximum fine of £2,500.
If you reach six or more penalty points within two years of passing your test, you'll lose your licence under the New Drivers Act. You’ll need to re-sit your driving test to get your licence back.
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