It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle

This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web.

The law still applies to you even if you are:

• Stopped at traffic lights
• Queuing in traffic
• Supervising a learner driver
• Driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving
• Holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode

Exceptions

You can use a device held in your hand if:

• You need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
• You are safely parked with the engine switched off.
• You are making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant.
• You are using the device to park your vehicle remotely.
• Using devices hands-free.
• You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage. Hands-free access means using, for example:

• A Bluetooth headset
• Voice command
• A dashboard holder or mat
• A windscreen mount
• A built-in satellite navigation (‘Sat: Nav:’) system.

The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.

Staying in full control of your vehicle

You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.

Penalties

When one considers the horrendous consequences that can occur as a result of being distracted from driving, you can understand that the penalties are severe. The penalties[1], as laid down are:

• 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.
• 3 penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.

If the case goes to Court, additional penalties may include:

• being banned from driving (that may result in having to undergo another driving test if you passed your driving test in the last 2 years) or riding.
• A maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)

This information is offered as GUIDANCE ONLY. Please refer to appropriate section of HM Government website for precise details.

[1] Road Traffic Act 1988 / Construction and Use Regulations 1986