Using A Mobile Phone While Driving
It is against the law to drive a motor vehicle on a road when using a hand-held mobile telephone, or a device which performs an “interactive communication function” by transmitting or receiving data (the exception to this is a two-way radio).
This is a very widely defined offence, and can include:
- Answering or making a call
- Viewing, composing or sending a text message
- Using a phone to access the internet
- Accessing music or other audio or video files
- Viewing, taking or sending a photograph
- Listening to a voicemail message
- Using a smart watch
- Setting or cancelling an alarm or other function
- Changing the settings or route on a sat-nav
Using a mobile phone whilst driving is an offence which may be dealt with either by way of a Fixed Penalty Notice, or at a court appearance. As of 1st March 2017, the Fixed Penalty for this offence has increased to a £200 fine and 6 penalty points.
If you have received a Fixed Penalty for using a phone while driving, and you believe you are not guilty of the offence, you should contact a motoring lawyer straight away. They will be able to advise whether you have any defence in law.
