KNOW YOUR RIGHTS 4. A HANDHELD


It’s important to remember that a person only commits an offence if he uses a hand-held phone or other device.


Q. So what if it’s in a cradle?


If it’s not held, e.g. if it’s on a person’s lap or in a cradle, then it is not a hand-held phone for the purposes of the law and no offence has been committed.


(i) illuminating the screen; (ii) checking the time; (iii) checking notifications; (iv) unlocking the device;


(v) making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call;


(vi) sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content;


(vii) sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video;


(viii) utilising camera, video, or sound recording functionality;


(ix) drafting any text;


(x) accessing any data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages;


(xi) accessing an application; (xii )accessing the internet.”


Q: What about using it as a sat nav?


The list is not exhaustive, but it does cover virtually every possible use of a mobile phone. If the phone (or other device) is simply illuminated whilst it is being held, then that will be enough. So no, you cannot use a phone even for sat nav purposes.


Q. But what if I’m holding it but not using it?


Having a phone in your hand without using it may not be enough to convict the driver. But you can still be accused of ‘not being in proper control of your vehicle’ – which is still an offence but carries half the sentence; 3 penalty points and a £100 fine.


PHTM JULY 2024 Q. What if I’m supervising a learner?


It’s an offence to use a handheld phone whilst super-vising a learner driver. The offence carries the same as if you were driving – 6 points and a £200 fine.


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5. MOBILE PHONE “OR OTHER DEVICE”


There are two types of device that are illegal:


1) Mobile phones 2) Any other device capable of transmitting data (whether or not those are enabled).


So you cannot use any device capable of sending/ receiving data, including an iPad or a PDA. But there is an exemption here for 2-way radios.


OTHER POINTS TO CONSIDER


BUT - if using a phone in a cradle or on your lap causes a drop in the standard of your driving, you could still be accused of driving without due care and attention which carries 3-9 points or a disqualification with fines/costs.


Q. So can I use my phone through the car’s on board computer?


Yes – as long as it’s not handheld. But if it’s held in your hand and you’re on a call even through speakerphone, that’s still an offence.


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