It is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav or any other device that can send or receive data whilst driving or using a motorcycle.
If you are caught, you could face a £200 fine and 6 penalty points on your licence. Should you get caught twice within 3 years, you face losing your licence altogether.
Should you wish to use your phone for communication, this must be done via a hands-free system.
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal because it significantly increases the risk of accidents. When drivers use their phones, they are distracted from the road, reducing their ability to react to hazards and maintain control of the vehicle. This distraction can lead to delayed reaction times, swerving between lanes, and failure to notice important traffic signals or pedestrians.
Research has shown that using a mobile phone while driving is comparable to driving under the influence of alcohol in terms of impairment. To ensure road safety and prevent accidents, the UK has enacted laws prohibiting the use of mobile phones while driving, with penalties ranging from fines to disqualification from driving.
If you are caught using a mobile phone while driving a heavy goods vehicle (HGV), the penalties can be severe. The consequences are typically more stringent for HGV drivers due to the increased risk associated with the size and weight of these vehicles.
Penalties for using a mobile phone while driving an HGV can include:
We know that being accused of using your phone while driving can have serious impacts on your job and finances, especially for professional drivers. We’re here to help. We can give you expert and targeted specialist advice and defend you in court or at a hearing. Even if there’s no clear defence, we can present strong, carefully prepared statements to try to lessen the punishment.
Contact Elizabeth Bradshaw on:
Call: 01245 369889 or
email: bradshawl@gepp.co.uk
Call: 01245 343971 or email: drivingenq@gepp.co.uk or request a call back.
If you want to find out more about the services we can offer you, please feel free to get in touch.