Drivers Beware – penalty points doubled for using a mobile phone whilst driving!

Penalties for holding and using your Mobile Phone while driving have increased from the 1st March 2017.

Using a handheld mobile device while driving is illegal.  You could now be given 6 points on your licence and fined £200.  Newly qualified drivers will have their licence revoked due to these tougher penalties. Anyone who accrues 12 points on their licence will face magistrates court, disqualification and higher fines.

It is not illegal to use a hands free mobile phone but our advice is put you phone away before driving to avoid temptation, better still put your phone in the glove compartment.

The Law

• It is illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving. This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you have stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
• It is also illegal to use a handheld phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver.
• You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
• If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving, you’ll get 6 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £200. Points on your licence will result in higher insurance costs.
• If you get just 6 points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence.
• Using hands free (e.g. for navigation) is not illegal. However, if this distracts you and affects your ability to drive safely, you can still be prosecuted by the police.

The Transport Secretary believes these increases will act as a strong deterrent to motorists who are tempted to pick up their phones.  Police forces across the country have been increasing patrols.

Recent Research Shows:

• Drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at recognizing and reacting to hazards.
• You are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone
• Your reaction times are two times slower if you text and drive than if you drink drive, and this increases to three times if you use a handheld phone.

Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

We have a specialist team of motoring lawyers that will be able to advise and represent you should you be caught out by these tougher penalties.

For more information, please contact Jas Thiara for advice on how to save your licence on 02477 710244 or email: jas.thiara@alsterskelley.com