New laws now in force over the use of mobile phones while driving

From today (25 March 2022), motorists are breaking the law if they use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel for any use, including to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games – as the government closes a loophole previously exploited by dangerous drivers to escape conviction.

Anyone caught using their handheld device while driving could face a fine of up to £1,000 as well as six points on their licence or a full driving ban.

Edmund King AA president said: "The AA has long campaigned to make handheld mobile phone use while driving as socially unacceptable as drink driving and we warmly welcome the new law. This is a much-needed toughening of the rules to help make our roads safer.

Those who believe they can still play with their phone because it’s in a cradle must think again – they leave themselves open to prosecution for either careless or dangerous driving.

The best thing to do is to convert your glovebox into a phone box. We all need to keep our hands on the wheel and our eyes on the road.

It is already illegal to use a hand-held device to make phone calls and send messages, except in an emergency, but from today “using” a hand-held device will be expanded to cover:

• Illuminating the screen

• Checking the time

• Checking notifications

• Unlocking the device

• Making, receiving or rejecting a telephone or internet-based call

• Sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content

• Sending , receiving or uploading a photo or video

• Utilising camera, video or sound recording

• Drafting any text

• Accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages

• Accessing an app

• Accessing the internet

There is an exemption which allows drivers to use a mobile to make a contactless payment while the vehicle is stationary at places such as drive-through restaurants and car parks. Using a mobile phone for navigation will continue to be legal, as long as it is kept in a cradle and not in the driver’s hand.