Mobile phones and distractions

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain what the law says about hand-held phones and devices.
• You can list the exceptions where holding a phone is allowed.
• You can set up your phone, sat nav and music before driving.
• You can deal with passengers and other distractions safely.
• You can explain the penalties, especially for new drivers.

What you need to know and understand

• It is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or any device that can send or receive data while driving, for any reason, online or offline (gov.uk, Highway Code rule 149).
• The law still applies when you are stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, or supervising a learner driver.
• Exceptions: calling 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop, when safely parked, making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, and using a device to park remotely.
• Penalty: 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. Drivers who passed their test in the last 2 years lose their licence.
• You can also be taken to court, banned from driving and fined up to £1,000.
• Hands-free use is allowed, but you must not hold the device and must stay in full control. Police can still stop you if you are distracted.
• Do not rely on driver assistance systems. You are still responsible for the vehicle (rule 150).

What counts as using a phone

The ban covers holding a device and using it for anything: calls, texts, photos, video, browsing, choosing music or checking a map. It applies even if the device is in flight mode or offline, and in cars where the engine switches off when you stop.

• Allowed: a phone or sat nav in a holder or mount that does not block your view, used hands-free (for example by voice command) without holding it at any point.
• Allowed: a built-in sat nav or a Bluetooth headset.
• Not allowed: holding the phone at the lights to read a message.
• Not allowed: picking up the phone to dial, then putting it in the holder for the call (rule 149).

Why hands-free is not risk-free

Even a hands-free call takes your mind off the road. Your eyes may be pointing forward, but you can miss hazards you would normally spot. The Highway Code says it is far safer not to use any phone while driving. Let calls go to voicemail and find a safe place to stop before returning them.

If you can be shown not to have proper control or a full view of the road, you can get 3 penalty points, even when using a device hands-free.

Other distractions to manage

Phones are not the only problem. The Highway Code lists loud music, reading maps, adjusting the radio, arguing with passengers, and eating and drinking as distractions to avoid (rule 148). In-car screens and navigation systems can draw your eyes away too (rule 150).

1. Set the sat nav, music and heating before you move off.
2. Put your phone on do not disturb or driving mode and out of reach.
3. Ask passengers to keep the noise down if you need to concentrate.
4. If something needs your attention, find a safe and legal place to stop first.

Supervisors and learners

The phone law also applies to anyone supervising a learner driver. A supervisor who holds and uses a phone is breaking the law in the same way as a driver. Learners should expect full attention from whoever is sitting beside them.

Common mistakes

• Thinking it is fine at red lights. The law still applies when you are stationary in traffic.
• Typing a destination into a hand-held phone while moving. Set it up before you leave.
• Assuming hands-free means safe. Keep calls short or avoid them altogether.
• Letting passengers distract you. Tell them you need to concentrate.

Test yourself: Mobile phones and distractions

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.

Go deeper

• Mobile Phone Driving Law UK