Whether you are a new learner or an experienced driver, staying compliant is about more than avoiding a fine - it’s about preventing one of the leading causes of accidents on our roads.
The "Zero Tolerance" Rule
The law now covers almost every possible interaction with a handheld device. It is illegal to hold and use your phone for any reason, including:
- Taking photos or videos.
- Scrolling through music or social media.
- Playing games.
- Checking notifications or even just unlocking the device.
- Entering a destination into a sat-nav app.
Crucially, this applies even if you are offline, in "Flight Mode," or the device is not currently transmitting data.
"Driving" Includes Being Stationary
A common mistake pupils make is thinking it’s okay to check their phone while stopped. The law still applies to you if you are:
- Stopped at traffic lights or a pelican crossing.
- Queuing in heavy traffic.
- Supervising a learner driver from the passenger seat.
- Driving a car with "start-stop" technology where the engine turns off automatically when you stop moving.
Rule of Thumb: If you are in the driver's seat on a public road and the engine is on (or the car is in a state where it could move), you are "driving."
The Only 3 Legal Exceptions
There are only three very specific scenarios where you can legally hold a phone in the car:
- Emergencies: Calling 999 or 112 if it is unsafe or impractical to stop.
- Contactless Payment: Using your phone to pay at a drive-through or a toll booth, provided the vehicle is stationary.
- Remote Parking: Using a device to park your vehicle remotely (for cars equipped with this specific tech).
How to Use Sat-Nav Legally
You can still use your phone for navigation, but it must be:
- Secured in a fixed dashboard mount or windscreen cradle.
- Set up before you start your engine.
If you need to change your route or adjust the map, you must pull over safely, turn off the engine, and then make the change. Touching a mounted phone while moving can still lead to a charge of "Driving Without Due Care and Attention."
The Penalties: A "One Strike" System for New Drivers
The penalties for using a handheld phone are severe:
- Standard Penalty: A £200 fine and 6 penalty points.
- For New Drivers: If you get 6 points within the first two years of passing your test, your licence is automatically revoked.
This means that for a new driver, being caught with a phone just once results in losing your licence. You would have to re-apply for a provisional and retake both your theory and practical tests.
Top Tips to Stay Safe:
- Glovebox It: Put your phone in the glovebox or a bag so you aren't tempted by the "ping" of a notification.
- Do Not Disturb: Enable "Driving Mode" on your smartphone, which automatically silences notifications while you are moving.
- Hands-Free is Not Risk-Free: While Bluetooth kits are legal, the police can still stop you if they believe the conversation is distracting you from the road.