UK bans any use of mobile phones while driving

Government updates law to ban drivers from using phone in any way, not just calling and texting

Gwyn Topham Transport correspondent
@GwynTopham
Sat 17 Oct 2020 06.00 BST

Drivers who use hand-held phones in any way behind the wheel will face £200 fines and possible bans when changes in the law take account of smartphones.

While making calls or texting on a hand-held mobile while driving is already illegal, taking photos, scrolling through a playlist or even playing games on phones has not been outlawed until now – allowing drivers to escape charges when spotted with a phone.

The government will update the law to close the legal loophole, which currently defines the offence as only “interactive communication”.

Roads minister Baroness Vere said: “Our roads are some of the safest in the world, but we want to make sure they’re safer still by bringing the law into 21st century.

“That’s why we’re looking to strengthen the law to make using a hand-held phone while driving illegal in a wider range of circumstances. It’s distracting and dangerous, and for too long risky drivers have been able to escape punishment, but this update will mean those doing the wrong thing will face the full force of the law.”

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Government plans near-total ban on touching mobile phones while driving

An exception will be made for contactless payments while stationary

Independent Staff
10 hours ago

Drivers face a near-total ban on touching their mobile phones while behind the wheel, as the government closes a loophole that previously allowed them to take photos and play games.

The Department for Transport plans to update the law to expand prohibitions that cover calling and texting.

Under the proposals an exception will be made for for contactless payments if the vehicle is not moving, and the goods or services are delivered immediately, such as at a drive-through takeaway.

However, in its consultation, the department has not acquiesed to demands for a full ban on hands-free use, meaning functions like satellite navigation will still be allowed if the rules are updated.

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