Understanding the rules & penalties of using your Mobile Phone Laws while driving

Driving is a huge responsibility, one that we don’t always take as seriously as we should. Our focus should be on the road at all times. This is particularly applicable to private hire drivers, given that you are also responsible for the safety of your passengers, as well as your own.

One of the most problematic and potentially life-threatening issues we currently face on our roads is drivers being distracted by mobile device use. Holding and using a mobile device while driving is not only dangerous, it's also illegal.

The scale of the problem was highlighted in a survey conducted earlier this year, in which over a quarter (27%) of all drivers questioned admitted to holding and using a mobile device whilst driving. This equates to around 11.4 million motorists.

Here’s what you need to know about mobile phone use.

Is it illegal to use a phone while driving?

Yes, it is illegal to hold and use a phone, satnav, tablet, or any device capable of sending or receiving data, while driving.

This includes sending texts, making calls, browsing the web, or even checking maps. Whether your phone is online, offline, or in flight mode, using it in your hand while driving is strictly prohibited. It is also illegal to do so if you are supervising a learner driver.

Even if you're queueing in traffic or waiting at a red light, you must not use your phone. One legal exception is calling 999 or 112 in an emergency when stopping is unsafe or impractical.

You can also use your phone to park your vehicle remotely or make a contactless payment in a vehicle as long as your vehicle isn’t moving. For example, at a fast food drive-through window. Using your device is permitted when you’re safely parked.

Hands-free use

Hands-free phone use is allowed, but only if you don't have to touch the device. Legal methods include using a cradle, Bluetooth headset, or your car’s built-in technology. You can control calls or navigation using voice commands to stay compliant with the law.

What happens if you're caught?

The consequences of using a handheld phone while driving are severe. If you’re caught, you face:

• A £200 fine

• Six penalty points on your licence

• Potential disqualification from driving if you accumulate 12 or more points in three years

The penalty is even more severe for less experienced drivers. If you passed your driving test within two years of being caught, your licence will be cancelled and you’ll have to to apply and pay for a provisional licence and pass both the theory and practical elements of the driving test again to regain your full licence.

Repeat offenders could also receive a driving ban, which would have a significant impact on your livelihood, especially as a rideshare driver.

How are drivers detected?

Advanced camera systems are now being used to catch drivers illegally using handheld phones.

These cameras can detect phone use with great accuracy, even at high speeds, making it nearly impossible to escape detection.

What about Uber drivers?

Uber drivers are subject to the same rules as any other driver. If you’re using the Uber app for navigation or receiving rides, make sure your phone is mounted in a hands-free cradle, and you're using voice controls to stay within the law.

Why you should avoid phone use while driving

In addition to the risk of fines and points on your licence, using a phone while driving increases the likelihood of accidents. Distracted driving is a leading cause of collisions, which could result in severe injuries or worse.

Your safety, your passengers' safety, and the safety of others on the road is at stake.

How to limit your phone use while driving

Here are some tips to help you avoid the temptation to use your phone while driving:

• Activate ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode: Many phones have this feature, which silences notifications while you're driving.

• Use apps responsibly: If you need navigation, set your route before you start driving and use voice commands to adjust as necessary.

• Pull over safely: If you must take a call or send a message, pull over when it's safe to do so.

• Set a goal to reduce screen time: Limiting your phone use outside of driving can help make it less tempting to check your phone while on the road.

FAQs: Your mobile phone questions answered

• Is touching your phone while driving illegal? Yes, touching your phone for any reason while driving is illegal.

• Can I answer my phone while driving? Only if you're using a hands-free device. You should not touch your phone to answer it.

• Can cameras catch you using a phone while driving? Yes, advanced cameras can detect phone use, even if the car is moving fast.

• You’re driving on a motorway and want to use your mobile phone - what should you do? Find a safe place to pull over and stop before using your phone.

• What’s the mobile phone driving offence code? The code is CU80, which will appear on your licence if you’re caught using a phone while driving.

• Can you have your phone on speaker while driving? Yes, as long as you don't need to hold or touch the phone.

• Can you use a mobile phone while driving on private property? Laws around private property can vary, but it’s best to avoid using your phone to stay safe and prevent accidents.

• Is it illegal to have a phone on your dashboard? Not if it's in a hands-free cradle. However, you must not touch it.

• Can you use your phone at a red light? No, using your phone at any point while driving, including when stopped at a red light, is illegal.

• How can I stay off my phone while driving? Use Do Not Disturb mode or put your phone out of reach to avoid the temptation.

• When did it become illegal to use a mobile phone while driving? The law was introduced in 2003 and has been updated several times since.

• Is driving with Bluetooth legal? Yes, using Bluetooth or other hands-free technologies is legal.

• Is it legal to use a hands-free mobile phone when driving? Yes, hands-free use is legal, but you must set it up before you start driving.

Using a mobile phone in your hand while driving isn’t worth the risk. The fines, penalties, and potential loss of income far outweigh the convenience of answering a call or checking a message. Prioritise safety, avoid distractions, and stay focused on the road - both for your sake, your passengers, and your fellow road users.

Stay compliant, stay safe, and please keep your phone out of your hands while driving.

About Splend

At Splend, we believe in drivers. We know their vehicles need to work harder than most; that they drive more miles than most; that their insurance is hefty; their maintenance costs high and that they can face unreasonable finance rates – which is a heavy load to carry on their own.

That’s why at Splend, we exist to support rideshare drivers with a new model, that takes all those car ownership costs, and provides them for less, with lower purchase prices, better rates, lower servicing and insurance costs – all for one weekly repayment, all in one place.