News Rules For Mobile Phone Use By Drivers, Kick In From Midnight Tonight
From today (25 March 2022), motorists are breaking the law if they use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for any use, including to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games – as the government closes a loophole previously exploited by dangerous drivers to escape conviction.
Anyone caught using their handheld device while driving could face a fine of up to £1,000 as well as 6 points on their licence or a full driving ban.
The government has announced that it is also today launching an £800,000 awareness campaign to remind drivers not to use a handheld phone at the wheel and of the penalties if choosing to ignore this new law.
Millions of young people will start seeing the adverts in the coming weeks, showing friends appearing in the back seat to intervene when the driver becomes tempted to use their phone behind the wheel.
The campaign will run across video on demand, online video, social media channels and radio in England and Wales until the end of April.
The government has announced that 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 windscreen mount
* a Bluetooth headset
* voice command
* a dashboard holder or mat
* a built-in sat nav �
IMPORTANT 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:
* be banned from driving or riding
* get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)
These are important matters to remember
1 comment:
So what about all the mob on electric delivery bikes and electric powered scooters that ride along holding their phones. Also, the L plate motor scooter drivers delivering good? These characters are forever looking down at their phones holding them in one hand and all over the place.
They are without doubt extremely dangerous and as bad as idiots controlling other vehicles. There is also the fact of the L plate mob cutting in front of drivers at the last second when the lights go green in the tiniest of gaps. How is it that someone can just get on a motorcycle in this era without any qualifications and immediately start riding around & delivering food! I have remonstrated with these individuals at times when they have clipped mirrors, etc but have been met with a blank look as if they do not understand. I think in many cases they do not and it appears many of them have no idea whatsoever of the road regulations in the UK. Absolutely shocking and it all needs overhauling but it won't happen until someone in authority is affected by these cretins on our roads!!!
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