FAQs:
Can I use my mobile phone whilst driving?
The only permitted use of a mobile phone whilst driving is with a hands free kit. Driving using a mobile phone without one is an offence. You can also be prosecuted for carless driving or dangerous driving which carry higher penalties.
What kind of mobile hands free kit do I need?
If the mobile phone can be operated without it being held, then hands free kits are permitted. The touching of buttons on the phone is allowed, as long as the phone is not being held whilst being operated. If your mobile phone is blue tooth compatible, then you can buy a blue tooth head kit. If your phone is not blue tooth compatible, then the best option is probably a speaker phone kit. There are however still risks using a mobile phone whilst driving as they are a distraction. If you are involved in an incident and even using a mobile phone legally, you could still face prosecution for failing to have proper control over your vehicle.
What about using my phone while I am held up in traffic?
The use of a mobile phone without a hands free kit is not allowed whilst driving. Driving includes times when for whatever reasons you are held up during the journey, for example, traffic jams and traffic lights.
The police do not advocate driving whilst using a mobile phone at all as they are distracting. The penalty for driving whilst using a hand held mobile phone is £60 fine and 3 penalty points.
