A change to the law this month will see motorists faced with tougher rules when it comes to using mobile phones at the wheel.
The law already forbids ‘interactive communication’ on a handheld device when in control of a car, such as texting or making phone calls, unless in an emergency.
But from March 25, new legislation means that drivers in England, Scotland and Wales will not be allowed to handle a mobile device for any reason while driving.
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This includes checking the time or notifications on your device, scrolling through playlists, accessing apps or the internet, and taking photos and videos.
The law also applies even when the car is stationary in traffic, such as in a motorway queue or at traffic lights, The Mirror reports .
In 2020, the Department for Transport reported 17 people were killed on British roads in crashes involving drivers distracted by mobile phones.
A further 114 people were seriously injured and 385 were slightly injured in such collisions.
Unless being used to make an emergency call, anyone caught on their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
However, The Department of Transport has confirmed drivers will remain exempt when using their phones to pay when at a drive-thru restaurant or toll road.
The Department of Transport said in a statement: “There will be an exemption to the new law for drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary to ensure the law keeps pace with technology.
“This exemption will cover, for example, places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader. It will not allow motorists to make general online payments while driving.”
Drivers will also still be permitted to use a device as long as it is ‘hands-free’ while driving. This includes ‘hands-free’ calls and the use of your phone as a sat-nav, provided it is secured in a holder.
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