Caithness drivers should be aware of new rules about use of mobile phones while on the road
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From Friday (March 25), motorists in the UK will face tougher rules when it comes to using mobile phones and other devices when driving.
In 2020, the Department for Transport reported 17 people were killed on British roads in crashes involving drivers distracted by mobile phones. A further 114 people were seriously injured and 385 were slightly injured in such collisions.
To warn drivers of the new rules, car and van leasing company Nationwide Vehicle Contracts has created this short guide on what drivers need to know to avoid fines and points on their licence.
New rules
From March 25, drivers in the UK will NOT be allowed to handle any mobile device when driving. This also includes being stationary in traffic, such as at traffic lights or motorway queues.
This means you can no longer touch the device to check the time or notifications, take photos or videos, scroll through playlists, or access any apps or the internet.
Prior to this law, motorists could only be penalised for "interactive communication" using a hand-held device while driving, such as texting or phone calls (other than in an emergency). However, loopholes in the law did not cover other usages such as the examples listed above.
What is the penalty?
Unless it is to make an emergency call, anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
Can I be fined for using my phone to pay at a drive-thru or toll road?
No. Many have mistakenly believed they can be fined when using their phones to pay when at a drive-thru restaurant or toll road. However, the Department of Transport has confirmed drivers are exempt from fines in these areas as long as their vehicle is stable.
The Department of Transport confirmed this loophole last year, in their statement: “There will be an exemption to the new law for drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary to ensure the law keeps pace with technology. This exemption will cover, for example, places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader. It will not allow motorists to make general online payments while driving.”
Can I still use a hands-free device or a sat-nav?
Drivers are still allowed to use a device if it is hands-free when driving. This includes hands-free calls and the use of your phone as a sat-nav, as long as it is secured in a holder.
Keith Hawes, director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts commented: “The changes to mobile phone driving laws are vital to improving the safety of Britain's roads. Drivers must take these rules seriously to help reduce the number of tragic deaths caused by violations.
"It is not just mobile devices that drivers should be cautious of. Despite no new rules being enforced on the use of internal infotainment systems, they can be a potential distraction for drivers. Touchscreens have become a common addition to modern vehicles, and the more complex they become, the more distracting they can be. If you are found to be not properly in control of your vehicle as a result of using dashboard gadgets or hands-free devices you could still be prosecuted.“
