| If
you accept a readside fixed penalty notice, you will receive 3 points
on your licence and a fine of of £60. If a case goes to court,
in addition to points, you could face discretionary disqualification
on top of a maximum fine of £1,000. This could rise to £2,500
in the case of drivers in charge of buses, coaches and goods vehicles.
Is hands-free phone equipment allowed?
Provided that a phone can be operated without holding it, then hands-free
equipment is allowed under the new regulation. Pushing buttons on
a phone while it is in a cradle is not an offence, provided you
don't hold the phone.
The Highway Code (Rule 128) warns that using any
in-vehicle systems can be distracting. If there is an incident,
the use of any phone or similar device might justify charges of
careless or dangerous driving.
Can I use a hand-held mobile phone when stopped
in a traffic jam?
The prohibition applies when driving. Driving
includes times when stopped at traffic lights or during other hold-ups
that may occur during a typical journey, when a vehicle can be expected
to move off after a short while. |
In
exceptional traffic jams, such as a lengthy stoppage on a motorway,
it would be clear that someone wasn't driving if the engine was
off.
Are there any exemptions?
Yes. There is an exemption for calls to 999 (or 112) in genuine
emergencies, where it is unsafe or impractical to stop.
Are employers guilty of an offence if
their employees use a hand-held phone while driving?
The new regulations apply to 'anyone who causes or permits any other
person 'to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving'.
The Department for Transport considers that employers
would not be liable just because they supplied a telephone, or because
they phoned an employee who was driving. However, employers would
probably be liable if they required their employees to use a hand-held
phone while driving. They might also be liable if they failed to
forbid employees to use such phones while driving on company business.
Where can I go for more information?
The Department of transport website is at www.dft.gov.uk |
