Ringing in the Changes with New Mobile Phone Law

This year has already seen big changes in the Highway Code (check out our blog – if you missed it) and now there’s set to be changes to the mobile phone law too.

Come 25th March, the law tightens up on those drivers who use their phones to video, text, access music or anything else that sees them messing with their phone while behind the wheel.

But what do the changes mean as it was already illegal to text or make a phone call using a handheld devise – (unless in an emergency?)

Essentially anyone caught using a hand-held device for any purpose at all (including taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists etc), whilst behind the wheel will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence. You can also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last two years.

The only time you can use a handheld device is if you’re safely parked up or you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.

Some media reports have suggested that you can be fined for using your mobile to pay for tolls or when you’re going through a fast-food drive-through but that isn’t correct – it will still be legal to use a phone to pay but the vehicle must be stationary.

The change brings the mobile phone law into the 21st century and recognises that mobile phones now do so much than they did when the laws were brought in.

Drivers can continue to use a hands-free device if it’s secured safely in a cradle and Bluetooth, voice command and built-in sat-navs are all still fine to use but people can still be charged with an offence if police find that they are not in proper control of their vehicle.

For more information about the changes in law please click HERE