Drivers are being reminded that it is illegal to touch their mobile phone under almost all circumstances while they are behind the wheel of a vehicle.
Changes to the Highway Code will come into effect across Scotland’s roads from midnight tonight - which will have implications on pedestrians, drivers and cyclists.
Under the rules coming into force, Scots will be banned from simply touching their mobile phone when they are driving.
It was already illegal to use a mobile device to phone or text under these circumstances. It is also illegal to change music on your phone or change the details on a sat nav application.
But the tight new rules will make it easier for police to hit Scots with a £200 fine and six points on their licence.
The changes will also crack down on drivers using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games.
Drivers will still be allowed to use a device ‘hands free’ while on the move, such as a sat nav, if it is secured in a cradle.
They must continue to take responsibility for their driving and can be charged with an offence if police find them not to be in proper control of their vehicle.
Drivers that make a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary will be exempt from the rule change.
This exemption will cover places like drive-through restaurants or a road toll and will only apply when the payment is being made through a card reader.
Drivers will not be allowed to make general online payments while driving.
Changes to the law came after a public consultation found that 81 per cent of people supported proposals to strengthen the law and make it easier for culprits to be prosecuted.
Grant Shapps, the UK Government’s Transport Secretary, said: “Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held.
“By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users.
“While our roads remain among the safest in the world, we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer, including through our award-winning THINK! campaign, which challenges social norms among high-risk drivers.”
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