New law around mobiles in cars coming into effect

In 2020, the department for transport reported that 17 people were killed in road crashes involving drivers being distracted by mobile phones. A further 499 injuries were caused, many of which were serious.

In order to try and reduce these numbers, a new law will come into effect this Friday, 25 March. The new law will apply in England, Scotland and Wales.

Currently, given the way the legislation is written, drivers can only be penalised for ‘interactive communication’ on a mobile whilst driving. This includes texting or making/receiving phone calls, unless making an emergency call.

The new legislation will see things tightened up. From Friday, drivers will no longer be able to touch a hand held device; be that calling, texting, checking the time, scrolling playlists and other such activity. The only exception will be calling in the event of an emergency or making a contactless payment whilst stationary.

Those in control of a vehicle who are caught from Friday handling a mobile device will be presented with a fixed penalty notice for £200, in addition to having 6 points added to their licence.

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