Mobile Phones

The facts

Reaction times for drivers using a handheld phone are 30% worse than for driving under the influence of alcohol at the legal limit. You're four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile phone when driving.

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving. The penalty is £60 and 3 penalty points. If the case goes to court, it's a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if driving a bus, coach or heavy goods vehicle), discretionary disqualification and 3 points.

Your insurance costs could also go up.

If you reach 6 points within 2 years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked and you will need to re-sit your test to get your licence back.

You can also be prosecuted for using a handsfree phone or similar device if you are distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle. The same penalties apply. Employers could also be prosecuted if employees are distracted because they require them to use their mobile phones while driving.

Callers also play an important role. If you ring someone on their mobile phone who turns out to be driving when they answer, say you'll call them later and hang up.

Switch off before you drive off

The law

You will be breaking the law if you pick up or use any type of phone that is, or must be, held to operate it. For example, this means you may not use your mobile phone:

• When you are stopped at traffic lights.
• When you are queuing in traffic.
• To receive calls, pictures, text messages or to access the Internet.
• Using other devices for sending or receiving data while driving is also an offence, that includes Blackberries and PDAs if they have a mobile phone incorporated.