Using a mobile phone in any way is set to become illegal as the government plans to tighten existing laws.
In the UK, it is currently illegal to call or text anyone whilst driving unless you are in an emergency where you need to call for help. The new law that is set to take effect next year will see it become illegal for any driver to use a phone to take a photo, film a video, search through playlists or play any mobile game along with any other app. If you are caught driving while on your phone by the police, you will receive 6 penalty points on your licence and a £200 fixed penalty notice.
These laws are being updated to make it illegal to be on your phone even if you are stationary, this includes being in a traffic jam or waiting at traffic lights, roundabouts or stop signs. The Department of Transport has found that research carried out by Ipsos MORI revealed that younger motorists are more likely to have used a phone whilst driving, and further research claims that 1 in 10 young drivers have admitted to taking a photo or video whilst driving. Using your phone whilst driving is dangerous for both other road users and yourself as it lowers the amount of attention you pay to the road.
When can you use your mobile?
There are times when you can use your phone whilst driving, but you can’t interact with your phone whilst driving. You will still be able to use your phone as a satnav whilst it is in hands-free mode and placed in a cradle, though this has to be set up before you begin your journey. With the new laws bringing driving restrictions into the 21st Century, you will be able to pay using your phone when you are at a drive-through restaurant or toll booth. You can only pay via your phone when you pay using a card reader and not using online payment.
What does this mean for new driver?
If you have just passed your driving test and are within the first six months of driving and you receive six points on your licence, you will be disqualified from driving. That means if you are caught using your mobile in any way, you will be disqualified from driving and have to start from square one.
While no one wants to have the ability to drive be taken away from them, if you are using a mobile phone while driving, you could cause injury or potentially worse accidents to yourself and those around you. For instance, if you are a London driver and are caught on your phone, this would mean you would need to retake your driving lessons in London, retake your theory test as well as your practical driving test.
Anthony Johnson, Company Director, said: “Having taught driving lessons in Bedford, Milton Keynes and Northampton, I regularly see other drivers using their phone, which is why I think the change to this law will make our roads safer. When you are learning at driveJohnson’s, we make sure that you are fully aware of all the laws you need to follow while driving. Some people find it difficult to be off their phones at the best of times. However, it is vitally important that you are never on your phone whilst in control of a vehicle.”
For more information on other laws and legal rules you need to know, you can visit our learning centre.
