Driving and using mobile devices
It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle on the roads in the UK.
Even using a hands-free option can incur penalties if your driving is deemed to be dangerous.
The police have the right to stop you if they think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle, and you can be prosecuted.
It’s still illegal to use your hand held mobile device if you're:
- stopped at traffic lights
- queuing in traffic
- supervising a learner driver
- driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving
- holding and using a device that's offline or in flight mode when driving your car
You can use a hand-held phone when:
- you’re safely parked and engine off
- you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
- you're making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant
- you're using the device to park your vehicle remotely
Using your mobile device hands-free
You can use hands-free mobile devices while driving your car as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage. The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.
Penalties
You can get six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone when driving.
If you get six points within two years of passing your test you will lose your licence.
You can get three penalty points if you don’t have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.
You can also be taken to court where you can:
- be banned from driving or riding
- get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)
Having points on your licence will result in higher insurance costs.