Mobile phone use
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It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving - including when you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic
It is now a specific offence to use a hand-held phone, or similar device, when driving. The penalty is a £60 fixed penalty and 3 penalty points on your license or up to £1,000 on conviction in court (£2,500 and loss of license entitlement for drivers of goods vehicles, buses or coaches).
Recent research shows that using a mobile phone whilst driving means you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision. Using any type of mobile phone, whether it’s handsfree or handheld, means that reaction times can be worse than those driving under the influence of alcohol. Tests have shown that reaction times are slower by as much as 50%.
Drivers still risk prosecution (for failure to have proper control) if they use hands-free phones when driving.
Even if you are a careful driver, you will still be distracted by a phone call or text message. Your concentration and anticipation will be affected.
| It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving this includes when you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic |
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| Keep your mobile phone switched off when driving and use your voicemail, a message service or call diversion so that messages can be left for you when your phone is switched off | |
| Only use your mobile phone after you have stopped in a safe place. Never stop on the hard shoulder of a motorway except in an emergency |
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| You may think a hands-free phone will enable you to have control of your vehicle, but your mind will not be fully on your driving. It is not like talking to a passenger who will be aware of what is happening when you are driving. |
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| Avoid taking calls on a hands-free phone. But if you must, say you are driving and end the conversation quickly. Otherwise you will put yourself and other road users at risk |
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| You may use a mobile phone when driving for help in an emergency. On a motorway it is best to use a roadside emergency telephone, as the emergency services will be able to locate you easily |
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Accident Statistics
Redelmeir and Tibshirani, 1997 Canada, examined phone bills of 699 drivers involved in accidents immediately prior to accident |
34% of people who use their car for work purposes admit to answering or making a work related call or texting while driving (Independent research, TNS)
Two thirds of drivers who use their car for work purposes feel pressure to keep their phone switched on (Independent research, TNS)
| Other distractions | ^ Top |
Do not forget the advice in the Highway Code about other distractions which may affect your concentration when driving.
To drive safely avoid:
| loud music that may mask other sounds; | |
| trying to read a map; | |
| inserting a cassette or CD or tuning the radio; | |
| arguing with your passengers or other roads users; | |
| Eating and drinking |
Remember: When you are driving you have a responsibility for others road users and your passengers
A phone call or text message could cost you or someone else their life
