Changes to Mobile Phone Laws

As of 25th March 2022, the laws on using a mobile phone whilst driving are becoming stricter in order to keep up with technological advances. 

Since 2003, it has been an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar hand-held device while driving in Great Britain for 'interactive communication': principally phone-calls and messages or accessing the internet. 

The meaning of 'using' a phone will be expanded to cover the following:

• Illuminating the screen
• Checking the time
• Checking notifications
• Unlocking the device
• Making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call
• Sending, receiving, or uploading oral or written content, photos or videos 
• Utilising camera, video, or sound recording
• Drafting any text
• Accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes, or messages
• Accessing an app
• Accessing the internet

There are two exemptions to this law. Firstly, drivers are allowed to use a phone in emergencies, and secondly drivers are permitted to hold and use a device whilst driving to make a contactless payment at a payment terminal for goods or services providing the vehicle is stationary and the item being paid for is be provided at the same time or after the payment is made e.g. paying for a car park or drive-through coffee using a phone.

For more information, please visit the UK Parliament website.  

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