Mobile use and Driving – Know the Law
Whether you employ drivers or are a driver yourself, you may not be aware that a consultation is currently running until 17 January 2021, considering a small but important change to the law regarding the use of mobile phones and devices whilst driving.
The proposed change is aimed at closing a technical gap in the law as it currently covers the interactive communication functions of the device, but not standalone functions.
The proposed changes would ensure that when a driver chooses to pick up a mobile phone while driving and uses it for any purpose, whether to send a text message or to browse through photos stored on the phone, that they will be committing an offence.
This would make enforcement of the offence much easier for the police and prosecutors.
Activities that will be captured under the revised offence where a driver holds the mobile phone or similar device in the hand for the purpose of but not limited to:
- Illuminate the screen
- Unlock the device
- Check the time
- Check notifications
- Reject a call
- Compose text messages or e-mails
- Take photos or videos
These changes will also be made to the current copy on the Highway Code.
If you would like more information on “Using a mobile phone while driving – Consultation on changing the law” or read the consultation paper and respond, you can do so using the following link:
Using a mobile phone while driving – Proposed changes to the law
