Stricter rules on mobile phone use for drivers starting March 2022

There will be tougher rules on the use of mobile phones while driving which come into play from 25th March 2022. 

Any motorist caught handling a device will be automatically punished with at least six points on their licence and a £200 fine.

The full scale ban covers everything from making calls, texting, checking social media, taking photos or videos, changing the song on your music streaming service or accessing any apps.

The Government has taken action to close loopholes where motorists were avoiding prosecution by arguing they were not using their phones for interactive communication as the current law only prohibits the use of handling a device to make calls or send texts. 

From 25th March, this will change to prohibit drivers from picking up their phone for any reason.

The Department for Transport has listed fill reasons a driver could be punished under the stricter phone rules from 25th March 2022.

These include:

• illuminating the phone screen
• checking the time
• checking notifications
• unlocking the device
• making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call 
• sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content
• sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video
• utilising camera, video, or sound recording functionality
• drafting any text
• accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages
• accessing an application
• accessing the internet 

Drivers will still be allowed to use their phone to make contactless payments when their vehicle is stationary. 

These exemptions are for scenarios where the vehicle is not moving such as at a toll or drive-through.

There is also an exception to the rule when the driver needs to call 999 and there is no safe place to pull over. 

It has been confirmed that the new updates to the law cover hand-helpd mobile phone use only.

Providing the driver is not distracted from the road and is in proper control of their vehicle, the use of a mobile phone in a cradle or mount could be okay. It will be at the discretion of the police to determine whether the use of a mobile phone in a cradle was unlawful or not on a case by case basis.

It is also important to note that if you choose to dock your phone in a device that is secured to the windscreen; it must not block your view of the road or traffic ahead. 

If you are not keen on placing a mount or cradle on your dashboard or windscreen, an alternative could be to opt for a vehicle that allows for smartphone mirroring or that has the Apple Car Play/Android Auto function. 

A large majority of new cars come with these functions that allow you to plug your smartphone in and access your device from the touchscreen of your phone. Apps can be accessed using the touchscreen or through voice controls. Your phone can announce your messages and calls using Siri or Google Assistant to give you full access to your phone and options to stay connected without taking your hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.

And if a new car isn't for you, we also have a range of affordable used cars with Apple Car Play/Android Auto functions.