The UK Government will tighten the rules on the use of mobile phones making it illegal to use a hand-held device under virtually any circumstance while driving.
It is already illegal to text or make a phone call (other than in an emergency) using a hand-held device while driving.
Next year, new rules will be introduced to ban drivers from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through playlists or play games.
Anyone caught using their hand-held device while driving will face a £200 fixed penalty notice and six points on their licence.
The Government says that drivers will still be able to continue using a device ‘hands-free’ while driving, such as a sat-nav, if it’s secured in a cradle.
However, if police deem that they are not to be in proper control of their vehicle they can be charged with careless driving if the police find them not to be in proper control of their vehicle.
Transport secretary Grant Shapps says that 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,” he said.
“While our roads remain among the safest in the world, we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer.”
