03/03/2017
WHAT IS THE LAW CONCERNING USING MOBILES WHILE DRIVING?
Ordinarily it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device - such as a sat nav or camera - while driving or riding a motorcycle.
These rules apply even while stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
Motorists can only use a hand-held mobile in the case of a genuine emergency that requires a 999/112 call and it is not safe or impractical to pull over and park.
Drivers are obliged to remain in full control of their vehicles at all time.
If a police officer feels the motorist is not in full control because they are tuning their radio or using a sat-nav or phone in a cradle, they can face prosecution.
Drivers supervising learner drivers or riders are also banned from using hand-held devices despite being in a the passenger seat.
Motorists can only use a hand-held device if their car is safely parked in an appropriate location.
Pulling over to the hard shoulder to take or make a call could result in prosecution.
Breaching the legislation can result in 6 penalty points and a fine of £200.
If the case goes to court, the driver or rider could face a ban and a maximum fine of £1,000.
Drivers of buses or goods vehicles face higher fines of £2,500.
Motorists with their phones or sat navs attached to their
windscreens can also face prosecution, if the area swept by the windscreen wipers is obscured.
Credits: SWNS Daily Mail Press Association Kerry Davis
