Highway Code mobile phone exception to six points | European Markets

Motorists are being warned that utilizing their cell phone whereas driving may land them in scorching water. Official tips state that drivers caught utilizing a hand-held gadget can face six penalty factors and a £200 fantastic.

Those that have held their licence for much less than two years may additionally lose it, forcing them to reapply and retake their check. Drivers can obtain three penalty factors if a handheld gadget obstructs their view of the street or hinders vehicle control.

Furthermore, they may very well be taken to court docket, probably receiving a driving ban and a fantastic of up to £2,500, relying on the vehicle used. Rule 149 of the Freeway Code states: “You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication (such as a tablet) for any purpose when driving or when supervising a learner driver.”

The rule applies to all ‘hand-held interactive communication’ gadgets, even when they’re switched off or unavailable.

It continues: “You MUST NOT pick up the phone or similar device while driving to dial a number and then put it in the cradle for the duration of the conversation. You MUST NOT pick up and use your hand-held phone or similar device while stationary in traffic.”

Nevertheless, the Freeway Code does acknowledge that there are exceptions to the rule of utilizing a handheld gadget whereas driving. Particularly, if you end up in a real emergency state of affairs the place it’s unsafe or impractical to stop your vehicle, you might be permitted to call 999 or 112.

There are different exceptions as properly, however they arrive with strict standards that should be adhered to. For example, a driver can use a hand-held cell phone or related gadget to make a contactless fee, supplied the vehicle is stationary on the time and all items paid for are obtained concurrently with or after the contactless fee is made.

Moreover, a handheld distant control app or gadget can be utilized, supplied it is legal, the vehicle is parked, and no different drivers or pedestrians are endangered whereas utilizing it. It is essential to keep in mind that legal guidelines relating to cellular utilization nonetheless apply when you’re: holding and utilizing a gadget that is offline or in flight mode, driving a car that turns off the engine whenever you stop shifting, stopped at site visitors lights, queuing in site visitors, or supervising a learner driver.