Starting from 25th March 2022, the UK Government is introducing new mobile phone laws for using phones in cars. Motorists will now be breaking the law if they use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for any use.
If any person in caught using their phone while behind the wheel of a vehicle, the punishment is severe. They’ll face 6 points on their licence or potentially a fully driving ban, as well as a fine of up to £1000.
What qualifies as using a phone
Dangerous drivers have previously used loopholes in the law to get away with using their phones on the road. Those holes have now been firmly closed with the change to the law. You can no longer take photos or make videos, scroll your playlists or play games behind the wheel. All things sensible drivers would never do anyway, as it all leads to distracted driving.
You now cannot use a phone, sat nav, tablet or any handheld device that has the ability to send or receive data while in control of your vehicle. That covers cars, vans, minibuses and motorbikes.
There will be some exceptions. You can use your phone to call emergency services or to make a call for help in extreme situations. You’ll also be able to use your phone to make contactless payments at drive throughs or toll booths, provided the vehicle is stationary and the handbrake is engaged.
New Government campaign
As well as the change to the law, the Government are also launching a new campaign to raise awareness. You might have already seen the new advert: Hands on the wheel? Hands off your phone.
We hope you’ve found this breakdown of the new mobile phone laws useful. It’s important to stay aware to the changes in the law as you don’t want to accidentally end up on the wrong side of it. If it’s been a while since you’ve looked at a copy of the Highway Code, check out our handy reminders.
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