Using Your Phone While Driving: UK Law Explained

Summary

• The law: You cannot hold a phone while driving. This includes calling, texting, filming, scrolling, or any other use.
• Penalties: 6 penalty points and a £200 fine. New drivers lose their licence.
• Hands-free: Legal but risky. You can still be prosecuted if you're not in proper control of the vehicle.
• Exceptions: You can use a phone in a genuine emergency to call 999 when it's unsafe to stop.

Using your phone while driving is one of the most dangerous things you can do behind the wheel. Research shows it's as impairing as drink driving.

The law was tightened in 2022 to close loopholes. Now, virtually any handheld phone use while driving is illegal.

This guide explains exactly what the law says, the penalties, and how to stay legal.

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What Does the Law Say?

Since March 2022, it's illegal to hold and use a mobile phone while driving for any reason. This includes:

• Making or receiving calls
• Sending or reading texts
• Taking photos or videos
• Scrolling through playlists or apps
• Playing games
• Using any interactive function

The law applies when you're driving or stopped with the engine running (for example, at traffic lights or in a queue).

Key change: Before 2022, there was a loophole allowing phone use for things like taking photos. That loophole is now closed. Any handheld use is illegal.

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What Are the Penalties?

If you're caught using a handheld phone while driving:

Penalty	Details
Fixed penalty	6 penalty points and £200 fine
Court case	Up to £1,000 fine (£2,500 for lorry/bus drivers)
New drivers	Licence revoked if caught within first 2 years
Causing death	Up to 14 years in prison

Impact on New Drivers

If you've had your licence for less than 2 years, getting 6 points means your licence is automatically revoked. You'd have to retake both the theory and practical tests.

One moment of phone use could mean starting from scratch. For more information, see our guide to UK penalty points.

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What About Hands-Free?

Hands-free phone use is legal, but it comes with risks.

What Counts as Hands-Free?

• A phone mounted in a cradle (not blocking your view)
• Bluetooth connection to car speakers
• Voice commands ("Hey Siri", "OK Google")
• Steering wheel controls

The Catch

Even with hands-free, you can be prosecuted if:

• You're not in proper control of the vehicle
• You're driving carelessly or dangerously
• The phone is distracting you

Police can charge you with "driving without due care and attention" regardless of how you're using the phone.

Research: Studies show hands-free calls are just as distracting as handheld calls. Your brain is focused on the conversation, not the road.

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Can I Use My Phone as a Sat Nav?

Yes, but only if:

• The phone is securely mounted in a cradle
• The cradle doesn't block your view of the road
• You set the destination before you start driving
• You don't touch the phone while driving

If you need to change the destination, pull over and stop safely first.

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When Can You Legally Use a Phone?

There are limited exceptions:

Emergency Calls

You can call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency if it's unsafe or impractical to stop. For example, if you're witnessing a serious accident or crime in progress.

When Safely Parked

You can use your phone when:

• The engine is off
• You're legally parked
• You're not in a position where you could drive (e.g., parked with handbrake on)

Sitting in traffic with the engine running doesn't count as parked. Neither does being in a drive-through.

Contactless Payment

You can use your phone for contactless payment (like at a drive-through) if the vehicle is stationary.

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How Do Police Catch Phone Users?

Police use various methods:

• Patrol officers: Officers in unmarked cars or on motorbikes can spot phone use
• High-vantage vehicles: Police in lorries or buses can look down into car cabins
• Cameras: Some areas are trialling AI cameras that detect phone use
• Public reports: Dashcam footage submitted by other drivers

Don't assume you won't get caught. The technology and enforcement are improving.

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Why Is Phone Use So Dangerous?

Looking at your phone for just 2 seconds at 30mph means you travel 27 metres blind. At 70mph, that's 63 metres.

Research shows phone use while driving:

• Makes you 4 times more likely to crash
• Slows your reactions more than being at the drink-drive limit
• Causes you to miss hazards in plain sight ("inattention blindness")

Around 500 deaths and serious injuries each year in the UK involve phone use.

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Tips to Avoid Temptation

If you struggle to resist checking your phone:

• Put it in the boot: Out of sight, out of mind
• Use "Do Not Disturb" mode: Most phones have a driving mode that silences notifications
• Tell people you're driving: Set an auto-reply message
• Pull over: If you need to use your phone, find a safe place to stop
• Let passengers handle it: If someone's with you, let them deal with calls and navigation

No text, call, or notification is worth a life - or your licence.

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Common Questions

Can I touch my phone if it's in a cradle?

Ideally, no. You should set everything before driving. If you touch the phone and it distracts you, you could be prosecuted for careless driving.

What if I'm stuck in stationary traffic?

Still illegal if the engine is running. You must be safely parked with the engine off.

Can I use my smartwatch?

The law specifically covers "hand-held" devices. A watch isn't handheld, but if using it distracts you, you can still be charged with careless driving.

What about passengers using phones?

Passengers can use their phones freely. Just don't let it distract you as the driver.

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Final Thoughts

The law is clear: don't hold your phone while driving. The penalties are harsh, and the risks are even worse.

Put your phone away, use hands-free if you must take calls, and focus on the road. Whatever's on your phone can wait.

One moment of distraction can change your life - or end someone else's.

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