Your phone buzzes to life while you’re driving along – what do you do? Ignore it, or have a sneaky look?
We all know that it’s illegal (not to mention extremely dangerous) to use your mobile phone while driving. Yet our latest research reveals that many motorists just aren’t getting the message…
Next time you’re tempted to reach for your phone while driving, remember the following. Here in the UK, it’s been illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones since December 2003.
There are just two very specific exceptions to the law: if you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and its unsafe or impractical for you to stop, or if your car is safely parked.
You can, of course, legally use a hands-free phone. But if the police believe you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle because of your using it, you could still get stopped and be penalised.
So, if in doubt, it’s best to banish your mobile phone to your glove compartment entirely until your journey’s over.
The new legislation in brief
New legislation is due in the UK in the first half of 2017, which will raise the points received from using mobile phones whilst driving to 6 points, instead of the previous 3-point penalty. On the spot fines, will also be increased from £100 to £200.
This is part of an ongoing initiative to crack down on dangerous driving due to people using their phones. This initiative will be supported by a new high profile Think! campaign backed by the government, which hope to raise awareness around the dangers caused by this behaviour.
If you require any advice in this matter, please contact us.
