Mobile phone usage
You may not know these new rules about phone usage whilst driving
During the end of 2022 and throughout 2023, new laws regarding the usage of mobile phones whilst driving have been introduced.
When you can/cannot use your phone in the car
If you are the driver of a vehicle the only time you are allowed to use your phone is when the car is stopped at a safe location and the engine is switched off. This now also applies if you are the passenger to a learner driver.
Exceptions
You are making an emergency call to 999 and there is no time to find a safe space to park the vehicle
You are going through a drive through and you need to make a contactless payment with your phone
Misconceptions about the rules
You are allowed to use your mobile phone whilst on a mount – False
With the new rules, not only are you forbidden to hold your mobile phone whilst driving, it is now against the law to operate your phone even when it is attached to a phone mount. However, you are allowed to have the phone on a mount to use navigation apps but just make sure you have it set up before you drive.
Built-in car stereos
Despite having a ban on mobile phone use, there are no laws restricting the use of car touchscreens. With the majority of modern cars switching to digital controls, this means that the use of the screen inside the car is necessary. With most cars now having Bluetooth and Apple Carplay, anything you could do on your phone can now be done on your car stereo.
Penalties
While the old laws would just result in a fine for phone usage, you can now be punished by having points added to your license. You can be fined up to £1000 (More if you are operating a bus or a lorry) and up to 6 points on your license.
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