New Mobile Phone Laws Hit UK Roads: £200 Fines and Points from Today
From March 25, motorists face tougher penalties for using their mobile phones at the wheel. Hampshire Constabulary and Thames Valley Police’s joint Roads Policing Unit warn that new laws mean offenders can be slapped with an immediate £200 fine and penalty points on their licence.
What You Can’t Do Behind the Wheel
The law crackdown covers a wide array of mobile phone offences, including:
- Illuminating your phone screen
- Checking the time on your device
- Viewing notifications
- Unlocking your phone
- Making, receiving, or rejecting any call (telephone or internet-based)
- Sending, receiving or uploading photos or videos
- Using camera, video, or sound recording
- Drafting any text
- Accessing stored data such as documents, music, photos, videos, or messages
- Opening any app
- Browsing the internet
Only Two Exceptions Allowed
There are just two lawful exceptions:
- Making an emergency call when stopping is impractical
- Contactless payments for immediate services (e.g., tolls, drive-thrus), but only if the vehicle is stationary
Police Sound Warning on Phone Use Risk
“Data shows you are four times more likely to be involved in a collision if you use a mobile phone while driving,” said Sergeant Dave Hazlett of the Road Safety Unit. “The consequences can be catastrophic, putting yourself and others at serious risk. Most drivers already avoid using phones while driving, but this law closes loopholes and is a vital step for road safety.”
