Mobile phones and drivers: the law

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving and the penalties have increased. Since 2007 you will now receive a £60 fine and three penalty points on your licence. Points can mean higher insurance costs and can lead to disqualification.

You can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile phone if you are not in proper control of your vehicle. The penalties will be the same as for using a hand-held phone. And the penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using any phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment.

• Surveys show that over 90% of respondents say it should be illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. But surveys also show that more than 25% of drivers admit to doing it.
• It is hard to do two things at once and research has shown that if you are using your mobile phone while driving you are four times more likely to have a crash.
• In fact if you use any type of mobile phone (hands-free or hand-held) while driving, your reaction times are worse than if you drive under the influence of alcohol.
• Tests have shown that reaction times for drivers using a hand-held phone were 30% worse than for driving while drunk. They were nearly 50% worse than when driving under normal conditions.
• This is all reflected in the growing number of news stories about serious collisions caused by drivers who were not able to concentrate on the road, because they were using a mobile phone.

Employers are also liable for prosecution if they "cause or permit" their employees to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving.

Provided that a phone can be operated without holding it, then hands-free equipment is not prohibited although making or receiving a call, even with hands-free equipment, can distract your attention from driving and it could lead to a collision and a fine.

Tips for drivers

Even the most careful of drivers will be distracted by a phone call or text message - it affects concentration and anticipation. Here are some tips:

• Never use a hand-held mobile phone when you are driving. If you are driving, keep the phone switched off, use your voicemail or message service.
• Stop in a safe place, not on a motorway or hard shoulder, then switch off your engine before you use the phone to make a call or pick up messages.
• Do not use your phone at all (even hands-free) - your mind will be distracted by the conversation and you will not be concentrating fully on your driving.

This page was last updated on 3 May 2011