Drivers face £1,000 fine for making a simple mistake at traffic lights

Many Brits are guilty of breaking the rule whilst waiting in traffic, unaware it could cost them thousands in fines - and in some cases ban them from driving altogether

Drivers are being warned against making one simple error on the road - which may see them fined up to £2,500 and cause them to lose their licence altogether.

While it may be tempting to check our phones when stuck in traffic or waiting at a junction, some Brits are unaware the seemingly harmless move is actually illegal - and comes with some harsh penalties if broken. 

The Government has warned that using a mobile phone or sat nav while not “safely parked” could land you with a fine of up to £1,000 and a ban from driving altogether. It is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, whilst driving or riding a motorcycle.

It means motorists must be careful not to use a device in their hands for any reason, whether online or offline.

This covers calling, texting, taking photos or videos, or using the web. The rule is most likely to catch drivers out while they’re sat waiting at traffic lights.

The law still applies to drivers who are: 

• Sat waiting in traffic
• Supervising a learner driver
• Driving a vehicle that turns its engine off when you stop moving
• Holding or using a device that is offline or in flight mode

If caught breaking the rule, you may be slapped with six penalty points on your licence, and be fined £200. If you’re a new driver, the penalties are much harsher - as you’ll also lose your licence if you passed your test in the last two years.

You can also be taken to court in some cases, where you can:

• Be banned from driving or riding
• Be given a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus).

Exceptions

As always there are some exceptions to the rule. Drivers will be able to use a device held in their hands if: 

• You’re in an emergency and need to call 999 or 112, and it is unsafe or impractical to stop
• You’re safely parked
• You’re making a contactless payment in a non-moving vehicle, such as at a drive-through restaurant
• You’re using the device in question to assist you in parking your vehicle remotely 

You may also use devices with hands-free access, as long as they’re not being held at any time during usage. Examples include:

• A Bluetooth headset
• Voice command
• A dashboard holder or mat
• A windscreen mount
• A built-in sat nav

In these cases, the devices must not block a driver’s view of the road and of the traffic ahead.

The Government website says: “You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. The police can stop you if they think you’re not in control because you’re distracted and you can be prosecuted.”

Grace Cooper