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Rules on mobile phone usage whilst driving set to be strengthened

08 December 2021

A public consultation by the Department for Transport (DfT) recently found that 80 per cent of people supported the strengthening of laws to ban any hand-held mobile phone usage whilst driving, not just texting and making calls.

According to a press release from the DfT, new rules will come into force next year, banning taking photographs or videos, scrolling through playlists or playing games on a hand-held device whilst driving. 

Drivers caught breaking the new rules will receive a £200 fixed penalty notice (FPN) and have 6 points added to their driving licence.

The use of ‘hands-free’ devices, such as sat navs, will still be permitted, provided it is fitted in a secure holder. However, in the event of an accident, drivers using these devices may still be charged with an offence if they are determined “not to be in proper control of their vehicle”. 

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said, “Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held.

“By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users.

"While our roads remain among the safest in the world, we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer, including through our award-winning THINK! campaign, which challenges social norms among high-risk drivers.”

The Highway Code will be updated to clarify the new rules and make clear the illegality of using a mobile phone even whilst stationary at a traffic light, or in traffic. 

An exemption will be in place for those using contactless payment on their mobile phone whilst at a drive-through window, such as at a restaurant or toll.

Chief Executive of road safety charity Brake Mary Williams OBE said, “Driver distraction can be deadly and using a hand-held phone at the wheel is never worth the risk. This important road safety decision by government, coinciding with Road Safety Week, is very welcomed.

“This news is particularly welcomed by families suffering bereavement and catastrophic injury due to drivers being distracted by phones. The theme for Road Safety Week is road safety heroes – we can all be road safety heroes by giving driving our full attention.”

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