Mobile phones

Make the glove compartment the phone compartment!

The facts

• If you are using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone you will be slower at recognising and reacting to hazards.
• You are 4 times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone.
• Your reaction times are 2 times slower if you text and drive than if you drink drive.   This increases to 3 times if you use a handheld phone.
• Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash. At 30 mph a car travels 100 feet in 2.3 seconds.

The law

• It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving – including using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
• It is also illegal to use a handheld phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
• You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked, or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
• If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving, you’ll get 6 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £200.
• If you get just 6 points in the first 2 years after passing your test, you will lose your licence.
• Using a hands-free device (for example, for navigation) is not illegal. However, if this distracts you and affects your ability to drive safely, you can still be prosecuted by the police.