Using a hand-held mobile telephone while at the wheel is illegal

Anyone caught on a hand-held phone while driving will be subject to a £30 fine, which can be increased to a £1,000 fine if the matter goes to court (£2,500 if the driver is driving a lorry or a bus

“You are four times more likely to have a crash when you are using a mobile phone.”

This is because you are unable to concentrate fully on two things at the same time and you are not in full control of your vehicle. To drive safely you must focus your full attention on the road

To answer some of the many questions that mobile phone users have asked, here are the facts concerning using a hand held mobile phone in your car.

Can I use my hands-free phone?

If you can work your phone without holding it, then yes

What about if it’s in a cradle?

Again, if you don’t hold the phone, you’re fine. Pushing buttons on a phone that’s in a cradle or on a steering wheel or handlebars is not prohibited, but if you have an accident whilst pushing buttons you will commit an offence

So is using a hands-free not dangerous then?

Using a hands-free phone is distracting. You still risk prosecution for failing to have proper control of your vehicle. If you have an accident and are using a hands-free phone you can still be charged with careless or dangerous driving, however its preferable to using it in your hand, you should have both hands free to control your vehicle

Can I send txt messages?

If you have to hold your phone to text, you can’t do it. Neither can you use Internet or video technology

Can I use my phone between my shoulder and my ear?

Absolutely not. This still counts as holding the phone to make or receive a call only a complete idiot would do this, and is akin to a death wish, not just for the driver but others, if the phone slips, the natural reaction is to catch it, thus inviting loss of control of the vehicle and an accident.

So can my passengers use their mobiles while I’m driving?

Yes they can there is no restriction on passengers using their mobiles

I’m stuck in a traffic jam, what can i use it then?

The ban still applies. The ban applies when driving and driving includes time stopped at traffic lights or other hold-ups when a vehicle is expected to move off after a short while. The exception exists in lengthy tailbacks when engines are turned off

What if I’m driving and my phone rings?

If you have a handsfree kit installed it can be answered, BUT if you dont then Not good enough. Let the call ring and use your phone when you’ve parked. Better still switch it to voicemail before driving

But I have to use my mobile for my job

TOUGH.....You can’t use your hand-held phone while driving, full stop. What’s more, if an employer requires you to use a hand-held phone while driving they would probably also be liable, if you use your mobile for your job whilst driving, then you want to die or kill someone else its as simple as that.

Surely making an emergency call is ok?

Calls to 999  in genuine emergencies where it is unsafe or impractical to stop are allowed but remember all 999 calls are recorded, if you are stopped and claim this it can be checked.

Be sensible

The thing to remember with all mobile phones and driving is to put yourself in other peoples place, how would you feel if the Police came to tell you your son or daughter or wife had been killed because the driver of a vehicle using their mobile had an accident and killed them......If you want to kill yourself fine ignore the law, but remember that it impacts on others, if you dont die, someone else could, and you WILL be punished, and its no good feeling sorry for yourself afterwards.

So get a hands free kit now or dont use your phone whilst driving, life is too short why end it early for a chat!