A change in law which toughens the rules around mobile phone use behind the wheel will come into force on 25 March.
Announced in November 2021, the new law bans drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games.
Current law states it is a criminal offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to call or text while driving – but a legal loophole has ensured drivers have escaped punishment for other actions such as taking photos.
This is because such actions aren’t seen as ‘interactive communication’, and therefore do not fit the current definition of the offence.
The new law will come into effect on 25 March 2022 – and means anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
Speaking in November 2021, Grant Shapps, transport secretary, 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.”
What infuriates me is yet again the legal road user is penalised. Don’t get me wrong I’m in agreeance with no mobile phones for whatever purpose whilst driving, does the cyclist take a road test , theory test , pay tax or insurance? I think not so why make things easier for them . Yea yea eco , go green go bike . I get that but why penalise the driver. Who pays to be on the road
Heather lamb, Hull
--43
In reply to Robert Bolt. Regular cameras, as I understand it, are not covered by this legislation. That type of activity along with eating or drinking whilst driving could fall under ‘driving without due care and attention’ or maybe ‘not being in proper control of a motor vehicle’. Or perhaps it could be said ‘you’d be done in a flash!!’ ……I’ll get my coat.
Kevin Martin, Bromley
+4
This is good news – long overdue.
Does it also apply to cyclists and if not why not? One cyclist told me that the reason he was illegally cycling on the pavement was because he was making a phonecall!!
Christina Young, Liverpool
--39
I understand completely that this law applies to mobile phones.
Does it apply to ‘old fashioned’ cameras ,i,e, cameras that are not phones or can I, if I felt stupid enough legally take a photo with my old cameras whilst driving?
Robert Bolt, Saint Albans
+23