| MOBILE PHONE ENFORCEMENT things to know The Facts You’re four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone while driving Reaction times for drivers using a phone are around 50% slower than normal driving Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash Law:
It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle or drive using hand-held phones or similar devices. The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. It’s also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or rider.
Useful information Penalties for using your phone while driving You can get an automatic fixed penalty notice if you’re caught using a hand-held phone while driving or riding. You’ll get 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100. Your case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000. Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500. Referral Course Within Hampshire we run a Driver Diversion Course as an alternative to prosecution for using a mobile phone whilst driving. The cost of the course is £85 and run by AA DriveTech. A person is only entitled to complete one of these courses in a three year period. The course is available to drivers, regardless of whether they are learner drivers, new drivers or have previous endorsements on their licence. New drivers You’ll lose your licence if you get 6 or more penalty points within 2 years of passing your test. When you can use a phone in your vehicle If you’re the driver, you can only use your phone in a vehicle if you: need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop are safely parked Using hands-free devices when driving You can use hands-free phones, sat navs and 2-way radios when you’re driving or riding. But if the police think you’re distracted and not in control of your vehicle you could still get stopped and penalised.
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