You could instantly lose your driving licence if caught committing the offence
The Government has issued an update on police action to clamp down on an illegal driving practice that could see you instantly lose your licence. Liberal Democrat MP Al Pinkerton asked the Government what assessment there had been of trends in the use of mobile phones while driving, in his constituency of Surrey Heath.
Drivers are banned from holding and using a phone while driving, including for texting, making calls, taking photos or videos, or browsing online. The law states you must also not used a tablet, sat nav device, or any other device that can send or receive data, while driving a car or riding a motorcycle. This includes while you are stationary at traffic lights or in queueing traffic.
The penalties if you are caught doing this can include a range of fines or points on your licence. If you passed your test less than two years ago, you could even lose your licence if you are caught.
Transport minister Lilian Greenwood provided a response from the Government, to say there had been “no assessment” of the use of mobile phones while driving in Mr Pinkerton’s area. Surrey Heath is situated to the west of London and includes parts of the M3 as well some large urban areas including Camberley and Bagshot.
However, Ms Greenwood did set out some of the rules around how driving laws are enforced in local areas. She said: “The enforcement of road traffic law and how available resources are deployed is the responsibility of individual chief officers and police and crime commissioners, taking into account the specific local problems and demands with which they are faced.
“The police are operationally independent and they will investigate each case according to its individual merits taking appropriate action.”
READ MORE: Airline pilot says scariest part of flight is actually your ear ‘tricking you’READ MORE: ‘I’m 70 and spend my pension just on staying warm – we shouldn’t have to live like this’
When can you use a mobile device while in your car?
There are some exceptions when you are permitted to hold a mobile device while driving. This includes if you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency, and it is not safe or practical to stop.
You can also use your device if you are safely parked or if you are making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is moving, such as at a drive-through restaurant. You can also use some hands-free devices, such as a built-in sat nav, a Bluetooth headset or a dashboard holder or mat.
What are the penalties if you are caught using a mobile phone while driving?
If you are found holding and using a phone while driving, you could get six penalty points and a £200 fine. For newer drivers, this could mean immediately losing your licence.
This is because your licence is cancelled if you get six or more points on your licence within two years of passing your test. If this happens, you will have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical parts of the driving or riding test again, to get your full licence back.
You will have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence and pass both theory and practical parts of the driving or riding test again to get a full licence.
You could also get three penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead, or if you do not have proper control of your vehicle. The costs could mount if the issue goes to court.
If this happens, you could be banned from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000, or up to £2,500 if you were driving a lorry or bus.
