Tough new mobile phone driving laws come into force next week – with fines of £200

The new guidelines mean you can no longer touch your device to check the time or notifications, take photos or videos, scroll through playlists, or access apps or the web

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New DVLA rules and driving laws from 2022

The Government is cracking down on a loophole that allows motorists to use their mobile phones while driving without being fined £200.

New laws from March 25 mean drivers in England, Scotland and Wales will not be allowed to operate a mobile device while in control of a car.

Except in emergencies, it’s already illegal to text or talk on the phone with a handheld device while driving.

Under the new guidance, you can no longer touch your device to check the time or notifications, take photos or videos, scroll through playlists, or access apps or the web.

Motorists can currently only be fined “Interactive communication” using a handheld device while driving, such as B. SMS or phone calls (except in emergencies).

However, the fine print of the law is being changed to fill in these loopholes.

In 2020, the Department for Transport reported that 17 people were killed on UK roads in accidents involving drivers distracted by mobile phones.

Another 114 people were seriously injured and 385 slightly injured in such clashes.

Unless it’s an emergency call, anyone caught driving with their handset will face a fixed fine of £200 and six points on their driving licence.

However, the Department for Transport has confirmed drivers will remain exempt if they use their phones to pay at a drive-through restaurant or toll road.

The Department for Transport said in a statement: “There will be an exception to the new law for drivers who use their mobile phone to make contactless payments while stationary, to ensure the law keeps up with technology.

“This exemption applies to places such as a drive-through restaurant or a toll road, and only applies if the payment is made with a card reader. It will not allow drivers to make general online payments while driving.”

Drivers may continue to use a device if it is “hands-free” while driving. This includes “hands-free” calls and using your phone as a navigation device as long as it is mounted in a cradle.

Keith Hawes, Director of Nationwide vehicle contract, said: “The changes to mobile phone driving laws are crucial to improve safety on Britain’s roads. Drivers must take these rules seriously to reduce the number of tragic deaths from violations.

“Drivers should not only be careful with mobile devices. While no new rules are being enforced on the use of internal infotainment systems, they can pose a potential distraction for drivers.

“Touchscreens have become a common addition to modern vehicles, and the more complex they become, the more distracting they can be. If it is found that you are not in proper control of your vehicle due to the use of dashboard gadgets or hands-free kits, you may still be prosecuted.”