Phone Driving Crackdown
A new amendment to the law will see drivers hit with tougher charges if caught using their phones at the wheel. The change announced by the Department for Transport (DfT) come into place next year.
Under current rules, it’s illegal to use your phone to text or make a call while driving. But the updated rules will mean that taking photos, scrolling through a playlist, or playing a game while driving will also be illegal. The change will also make it clear that standing in stationary traffic still counts as driving.
Any driver caught using their phone could face a £200 fine and 6 points on their license.
The aim of this change is to encourage safer driving habits. But there are a few exceptions to the rule. One is to call 999 in an emergency. Another exception is to use your phone to pay at drive-through services such as tolls. The new rules don’t apply to securely positioned satnavs.
In October 2020 the Government launched an inquiry on mobile phone use while driving. This consultation was set up to close a loophole within the current law. The current law states that drivers cannot use their devices for “interactive telecommunication” while driving. The update to the law takes into account how smartphones are now used in daily life compared to when the original law implementation in 2003.
Comment
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.”
Changes to The Highway Code will explain the change clearly to drivers. But many drivers and organizations have already welcomed the change. 81% of those who responded to the Government consultation supported the law change. Members of the road safety charity Brake have welcomed the announcement which coincides with national road safety week. RAC has also welcomed this “strengthening to the law”.
Research from the RAC found that 1 in 10 drivers admit to taking a photo while driving. The study also found that 6% admit to playing a game while behind the wheel. Police can charge drivers with careless driving if they do not have full control of their vehicle.
Industry Comment
Simon Williams from RAC said:
“While the announcement is clearly good news, it’s absolutely vital that the new law is vigorously enforced otherwise there’s a risk that it won’t deliver the sort of behaviour change that will make our roads safer.”
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Phone Driving Crackdown