A new law has come into force banning motorists from using any handheld technology devices, such as mobile phones or tablets, while driving - except in very limited circumstances. The changes to The Highway Code have been brought in by The Driver and Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) on Friday, March 25, 2022 and have also been shared on the official government website under driving and transport laws.
The DVSA said it carried out a public consultation last year, ahead of introducing the new rules, and 80% of respondents supported the proposed changes. The ban on using handheld devices applies to all drivers, even when stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic or driving a car that turns the engine off when it stops moving. It also applies to people in the passenger seat of a vehicle, if they're supervising a learner driver who's in the driving seat. Even if a device is offline or in flight mode, it still must not be used by the driver or passenger supervising a learner driver.
The government website explains: "It's illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web." You can get more motoring news and other story updates by subscribing to our newsletters here.
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A statement from the DVSA adds: "It's important that everyone - not just learner drivers - understand their responsibility for the safety of other road users. Most of the rules in the code [The Highway Code] are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you're committing a criminal offence. If you do not follow the other rules in the code, it can be used in evidence in court proceedings to establish liability."
Drivers are still permitted to use hands-free devices, such as a built-in satnav or a Bluetooth headset, providing they do not hold them while using them and that the device does not block the driver's view of the road or traffic ahead.
Exceptions to the new law
The Government website explains that you can use a device held in your hand if: you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it's unsafe or impractical to stop; you're safely parked; you're making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-thru restaurant; you're using the device to park your vehicle remotely.
Using devices hands-free
The UK Government says: "You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage. Hands-free access means using, for example a Bluetooth headset, voice command, a dashboard holder or mat, a windscreen mount, a built-in sat nav. The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead. If you could bring in a new law for motorists across the UK, what would it be? Let us know in the comments.
Staying in full control of your vehicle
The UK Government says: "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."
Penalties
You could receive six penalty points on your license and a £200 fine if you're found holding and using a phone, satnav, tablet or other device that can send and receive data, while you're driving or riding a motorcycle. You'll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the past two years. Plus, you can get three penalty points if you do not have an unhindered view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle. You could also be taken to court, where you could be banned from driving or riding, or receive a maximum fine of £1,000, or up to £2,500 if you're driving a lorry or bus.
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