The change to the law surrounding mobile use while driving is finally coming into force on March 25 in England, Scotland and Wales.
It states that you will get six points on your licence and £200 fine if you are caught holding or using a device (with only two exemptions – see below).
Bear in mind that six points means an instant ban if you’re a new driver and will result in you having to take another driving test.
While the current law bans mobile use while at the wheel (in theory at least), the humble mobile now offers so much functionality such as scrolling through playlists or browsing the internet that the old law is out of date.
Zero tolerance
The new law now covers every possible use of your mobile. Banned activities now include:
- Illuminating the screen
- Checking the time
- Checking notifications
- Unlocking the device
- Making, receiving or rejecting a telephone or internet-based call
- Sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content
- Sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video
- Utilising camera, video or sound recording
- Drafting any text
- Accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages
- Accessing an application
- Accessing the internet.
All the above apply even in you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic (and nor can you instructor use their phone as they must be fully focused on your driving at all times).
In other words, don’t even think about your using your phone unless you are safely parked up.
Exceptions to the rule
The new law does state there are two exemptions where you can reach for your mobile:
- If you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and you are unable to stop because it is impractical or not safe to do so.
- While stationary, you are using the mobile or other device to make a contactless payment for a good or service which is received at the same time as, or after, the contactless payment is made. Think drive-thru in other words.
Finally, you can still use your mobile as a sat nav but it must be in a mounted cradle that doesn’t block your view. Holding a sat nav while driving is also a strict no-no.
Know your code
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Main photo by Alexandre Boucher on Unsplash.