The Law – Using Mobile Phones When Driving

It’s illegal to use your phone while driving or riding a motorcycle unless you have hands-free access, such as:

• a bluetooth headset
• voice command
• a dashboard holder

The law still applies to you if you’re:

• stopped at traffic lights
• queuing in traffic
• supervising a learner driver

Hands-free

If you use your phone hands-free, you must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times.

The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.

When you can use a hand-held phone

You can use a hand-held phone if either of these apply:

• you’re safely parked
• you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop

Penalties

You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone.

You can also be taken to court where you can:

• be banned from driving or riding
• get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus)

If you passed your driving test in the last 2 years, you’ll lose your licence.

This page is correct as of November 6th 2017.