Zero tolerance for phone use when driving
On Friday, UK law changed making it illegal to use a hand held mobile phone when driving. Zero tolerance for phone use is now in force for any usage, expanded from making a call or sending a text to include taking photos, scrolling through playlists and gaming. This include online shopping or indeed any activity even when stationary at traffic lights.
Amazingly, until now the law only banned ‘interactive communication’ meaning bidding on an auction for instance wasn’t banned. Those caught using their mobiles at the wheel have in some cases been able to escape conviction by claiming that they weren’t using them for interactive communication. The update to the law ensures nobody will be able to use the loophole 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.
Allowable phone use
Drivers are able to make contactless payments, for example, at drive-throughs, so long as their vehicle is stationary. They can also still use a device ‘hands-free’ while driving if it’s secured in a cradle, allowing motorists to use their phone as a sat-nav. They must, however, always take responsibility for their driving and can be charged with an offence if the police find them not to be in proper control of their vehicle.
The government’s award-winning THINK! team is also 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.
Government advert
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.
I will do everything in my power to keep road-users safe, which is why I am 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’ll continue our efforts to ensure our roads remain among the safest in the world.
– Grant Shapps, Transport Secretary
