Mobile phone penalties increased

It has been illegal to use mobile phones whilst driving since 2003.  However despite many high-profile campaigns including, adverts on the radio and TV, motorists still continue to text and call whilst driving causing accidents, which in some incidents has resulted in fatalities.

Research in to the use of mobile phones whilst driving has found, that when using a mobile phone either hands free or handheld, drivers are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards, even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text and a split- second lapse of concentration, which has resulted in accidents and fatalities.  There has also been much confusion as to when someone is ‘using’ a mobile phone. Many people use their mobile phones as satellite navigation systems, this is also illegal.  It is also illegal for a person supervising a learner driver to use a mobile phone and for people using mobile phones whilst cycling.

The law hasn’t changed in relation to the use of mobile phones but from 1st March 2017 the penalties have now increased, and anyone caught using a mobile phone whilst driving, will now receive 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. This means that new drivers who receive the 6 points within the first two years of passing their test will lose their licence.

New campaigns are advising people to use ‘phone boxes’ i.e. glove boxes to store phones, it is thought if the phone is out of sight then people are less likely to use their mobile phones.

At Emery Johnson Astills we have a criminal team who regularly deal with a variety of  driving offences. Should you or anyone you know need help in relation to driving offences or any other type of crime then please contact Emery Johnson Astills Crime Department at our Leicester office on 0116 2554855 or our Loughborough Office on 01509 610312.