There have been lots of reports in the press lately about mobile phones and driving – it seems people don’t really know what the law is. And if you've just started a new car leasing deal the last thing you want is to fall foul of the law.
So here are the facts.
The Facts about driving and talking on your mobile phone.
It’s been against the law to use a hand held mobile phone whilst driving in the UK since December 2003 – ‘driving’ also includes being stationery in traffic with the engine on.
The penalty if you break this law is a fine of £100 and three points on your license.
It is not against the law to use a hands-free device. However the police have the right to prosecute you with the same penalties as those outlined about if they believe a driver to be ‘not in control’ of a vehicle whilst using their hands-free device.
The only exemption to the rule is a genuine need to dial 999 or 112 and not being able to stop safely to do so.
Can you believe?
Amazingly, it is not an offence to cycle and use a hand held mobile phone.
Worldwide evidence suggests that using any sort of phone has a significant effect on accident risk so…..use your common sense. The safest way is to find a safe place to park and retrun the call.
Happy Motoring!