New Law On Using Your Phone While Driving Comes Into Place Today
The government has moved to close a 'loophole' with regards to motorists using their phones while driving
If you're out and about driving today, you'll want to tune in for this one - there's been a change to the law regarding what you are allowed to do with your phone, and it has some pretty serious consequences.
Basically, the government has moved to close a 'loophole' that has previously been used by drivers in order to get away with conviction.
So, as of today you're no longer allowed to so much as touch your phone while driving.
Obviously, the rules about using your phone in the car have been around for ages, and we should all know them by now, but now you can't change track on Spotify, take photos, scroll through playlists, or anything like that.
If you are seen with a phone in hand, you're going to be in trouble.
That trouble could be a fine of up to £1,000, six penalty points on your licence, or even a full driving ban.
Told you there would be serious consequences.
If you aren't sure where you're going - don't worry - as long as you've got a phone holder you can still use your phone for satellite navigation, but just don't touch it.
Also, you're still responsible for keeping in control of your car, and you will be fined by the police if they deem you to be driving carelessly.
Another practical exception to the rule applies at drive-thru outlets, where motorists are allowed to use their phone for contactless payments, so long as the car is stationary.
The government's THINK! road safety team will be spreading the word through an £800,000 campaign across video-on-demand, social media, and radio in England and Wales until the end of April, so you'll have no excuse for not knowing about the new rules.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: "I will do everything in my power to keep road-users safe, which is why I am taking a zero-tolerance approach to those who decide to risk lives by using their phone behind the wheel.
"I'm ensuring anyone who chooses to break this vital law can face punishment for doing so, and we'll continue our efforts to ensure our roads remain among the safest in the world."
Edmund King, the President of the AA, added: "The AA has long campaigned to make hand-held mobile phone use whilst driving as socially unacceptable as drink driving and we warmly welcome the new law.
"This is a much-needed toughening of the rules to help make our roads safer.
"Those that believe that they can still play with their phone because it's in a cradle must think again - they leave themselves open to prosecution for either careless or dangerous driving.
"The best thing to do is to convert your glovebox into a phone box.
"We all need to keep our hands on the wheel and our eyes on the road."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: UK News, law, Technology, Politics, Cars
Tom Wood