Mobile Phones

The law surrounding mobile phones and driving changes on 27th February 2007. From this date drivers caught using a hand held mobile phone whilst driving will be liable to receive a £60 fine along with three points on their driving licence.

Points on your licence

Points on your licence can ultimately mean higher insurance costs.

You don't have to be caught many times either to be disqualified from driving.

Why are the penalties going up?

Surveys show that over 90% of respondents say it should be illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone whilst driving. Yet surveys have also shown that more than 25% of drivers admit to doing it.
Research has also shown that it is hard to do two things at once. If you are using your mobile phone whilst driving you are four times more likely to have a crash.
Tests have shown that reaction times for drivers using a hand-held phone were 30% worse than for driving while drunk. They were nearly 50% worse than when driving under normal conditions.

How does the law apply?

While driving, you will break the law if you pick up or use any type of phone that is, or must be held to operate it.

You may not use your mobile phone:

when you are stopped at traffic lights.
when you are queuing in traffic.
to receive calls, pictures, text messages or to access the internet.

Switch off before you drive off.

When driving switch your phone off and use your voice mail to take your calls, you can pick your messages up later.
Only use your phone once you are sure that you have stopped in a safe place.
Try and avoid taking calls on a hands-free phone while driving. These can be just as distracting.

If you require any further information surrounding the new changes in the law, or about the dangers of using mobile phones whilst driving please contact the Road Safety Unit on 01902 551155, or e-mail us at road.safety@wolverhampton.gov.uk