Stricter rules on the use of mobile phones whilst driving came into effect on 25th March, highlighting a zero-tolerance policy for using a handheld device at the wheel.
With road safety paramount, the new laws ban drivers from holding their phone, taking photos, recording videos, scrolling through music playlists, browsing the internet and playing games. Plus, these rules don’t just apply when you are driving, they also come into play when:
- 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
Tough punishment
Anyone caught flouting these rules, will be judged to have broken the law. They could be fined as much as £1000 and receive six penalty points on their licence. For drivers caught within two years of passing their test they can have their licence revoked.
Drivers can still use sat-nav on their phones if their devices are hands-free and the phone is secured in a cradle. But the loophole, where drivers could claim they were not using their phone for “interactive communication,” has effectively closed.
Brush up on the new laws
Jas Thiara, Head of Criminal Litigation & Motoring Offences welcomes the new rules. “Until yesterday, motorists could escape punishment if they were taking a photo or playing a game on their phone. From today, even the act of illuminating the screen, unlocking your phone, checking the time/notifications or rejecting a call can result in prosecution if caught.”
Jas continued. “According to Think!, the government’s road safety arm, drivers are up to four times more likely to be involved in an accident when using a mobile phone. Think! also says a motorist’s reaction times are two times slower when texting while driving than while drink-driving. We advise every driver to brush up on the new laws.”
Support and advice
If you need help and advice about any criminal or motoring offence issue then please contact Jas Thiara, Head of Criminal Litigation & Motoring Offences at Alsters Kelley Solicitors Ltd on 02477 710200 or email jas.thiara@alsterskelley.com.
Please call 02477 710 241 to speak to a member of the team and to make an appointment with one of our criminal lawyers at any of our six offices.
Jas Thiara
Jas joined Alsters Kelley in 2006 and was appointed Associate Solicitor with the firm in June 2007 and is also Head of the Criminal Litigation & Motoring Offences Department.
02477 710200
jas.thiara@alsterskelley.com