From the 1st December 2003 it became illegal to use a hand held phone while driving. There is a £30 fixed penalty, with up to £1,000 if convicted in court. There is a fine of £2,5000 for goods lorry drivers, buses or coach drivers.
You cannot use any phones/equipment if they have to be held at any point during the course of making or receiving a call – or any other interactive communication.
There is still the possibility of a fine for using a hands-free kit – if you are found to be distracted and therefore not have proper control of your vehicle.
Texting, internet access and computer phones are also prohibited if you have to hold the phone to use them.
GPS and personal digital assistants are allowed as long as you do not have to hold them.
If your phone rings while you are driving, ignore it until you have pulled over to a safe place. It is best to switch on your voicemail before you travel.
In a traffic jam, or at traffic lights, you are still prohibited from using your phone if you have to hold it. This is unless you are obviously stuck, and your engine is switched off.
Two way radio’s are not included in the legislation – but they can be distracting so it is best to use them while parked.
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