Weather Watch
The latest Met Office forecast
How it affects England's motorways and trunk roads
Feature
Tackling congestion by influencing travel behaviour
We aim to tackle congestion by providing access to information that enables people to make smarter travel choices.
Quick Links
Traffic news on your desktop
Helpful ways to access the latest traffic information when you need it.
Mobile use and the law
What does the law say about mobile phones while driving?
It's illegal to drive a vehicle or ride a motorbike while using a handheld mobile phone or similar device. Hands-free phones are also a distraction, and you risk prosecution for not having proper control of a vehicle if the police see you driving poorly while using one.
What is the penalty if caught using a mobile phone while driving?
If you accept a roadside fixed penalty notice, you will receive 3 points on your licence and a fine of £60. If a case goes to court, in addition to points, you could face discretionary disqualification on top a maximum fine of £1,000 (or £2,500 in the case of drivers of buses/coaches and goods vehicles).
When is a driver allowed to use a hand-held phone?
There is an exception for calls to 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency where it would be unsafe or impractical to stop. Using 2-way radio equipment when driving is not a specific offence. Remember that a conversation could still distract from the concentration needed to drive safely. If you do not have proper control, then the police can still take action.
What if a mobile phone in my car rings or what if I phone someone who is driving?
Let it ring and return the call when you are able to park in a safe place. It would be better to switch to voicemail before starting. If you phone someone who is driving, say you will phone later and hang up.
What counts as driving?
Driving is using a motor vehicle on public roads and can include when a vehicle is stopped at traffic lights or during a traffic hold-up. Therefore you should not use that time to make or receive a call. Park safely and then use the phone (but not on the motorway hard shoulder).
Must I switch off any phone in my car?
No. Passengers may want to use a phone. If you are driving on your own, we advise that if you do not switch your phone off, you should switch it to voicemail, message service or call diversion and ring back when you are safely parked.
More Information
For more information, please see the DfT website for the law on driving whilst using a mobile phone.
