Home News Changes to the punishment for using your mobile phone while driving.

Changes to the punishment for using your mobile phone while driving.

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New changes in the law mean that if you are caught using a mobile phone while driving, you will receive 6 points on your driving license. This could mean that new drivers have one time and out policy if caught using their mobile phone at the wheel.

The penalty has also doubled to £200 from £100 from the 1st March 2017.

With Dashboard cameras on the rise, will footage be used for retrospective punishment?

So, we heard you. What does this have to do with dashboard cameras? Well, it’s easy to pick up on video a driver who is using a mobile phone while driving. We wondered if a driver would be retrospectively punished if the video was sent to the local police? Could it be used as evidence?

We think it should be possible to use dashcam videos to prosecute

Maybe it’s the wrong way to look at things, but with all the accidents now caused by drivers using a mobile phone behind the wheel we do believe any road regulation violation should be sent to the local police force in order for them to take further action.

It all depends on the local police force it would appear

London Metropolitan police force as an example welcome video footage to help with a prosecution. However, it is vital to note that the video footage can only act as corroboration to the event. You might be required to give a statement and be willing to stand in court and give evidence.
There are certain other important things to consider when looking to do this also. They need 2 minutes footage before and after the event. Fairly obviously, the footage should not have been edited in any way either. For more information visit the page here

The new advertising campaign will run to help promote the tougher punishment

A new advertising campaign is being used to help promote the increased punishment. You can see why when – in 2015 – 22 people were killed and 99 seriously injured in accidents were the driver was using a mobile phone.

So what are the facts?

The facts

Drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards

Research shows:

You are four times more likely to be in a crash if you use your phone

Your reaction times are two times slower if you text and drink than if you drink drive, and this increases to three times if you use a handheld phone

Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash.

The law around mobile phone while driving

It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving. This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

It is also illegal to use a handheld phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver.

You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.

If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving, you’ll get 6 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £200. Points on your licence will result in higher insurance costs.

If you get just 6 points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence.

Using hands free (e.g. for navigation) is not illegal. However, if this distracts you and affects your ability to drive safely, you can still be prosecuted by the police.

Source : Department for Transport

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