The UK government is strengthening its existing laws against the use of mobile phones while driving. It's already illegal to text and make calls behind the wheel unless it's an emergency. Starting next year, though, any use of mobile phone while driving will be deemed illegal — that includes using phones to take photos or videos, to play games or to scroll through playlists and other content.
Drivers can't do any of those even while their vehicle isn't moving. The government will revise The Highway Code to explain that being stationary on the road, such as at traffic lights or in the middle of traffic jams, still count as driving. Anybody caught using their phones in those circumstances will still be fined £200 (US$269) and will get six penalty points on their license, which means new drivers could get their licenses revoked.
The only exception is if they're using their phone to make payments at a card reader, say at a drive-through window or a road toll. Paying for online shopping purchases isn't an acceptable reason to get out of being penalized if they're caught. To note, drivers can continue using their devices hands-free, such as for navigation purposes, so long as they're secured in a cradle.
The UK has long been planning to close the legal loophole allowing drivers to use their mobile devices, so long as they're not texting or calling. Authorities consulted the public about expanding its existing laws, and 81 percent of responders apparently supported their proposals.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said in a statement:
WilliamIsted on November 19th, 2021 at 18:18 UTC »
I was behind a taxi in Aberdeen city a while back, he had three phones on his windscreen. One was the app for the taxi fares (by the looks of it) the other was GPS, and the third was a film he was watching while driving (with no passengers in the car).
Tontonsb on November 19th, 2021 at 17:57 UTC »
Damn, so they'll all have to drive with laptops in front of the wheel??
IpromithiusI on November 19th, 2021 at 15:47 UTC »
To clarify - it's already illegal to hold your phone to take a call or text, but the wording of the legislation is very specific currently and not fit for purpose as technically you can sit on your phone playing a game or dick about with Spotify.
You can still be prosecuted under dangerous driving/driving without due care and attention laws in those circumstances, but the new law is an update to existing legislation to shut down those shitty defences and make it clear to the public no phones in hands for any reason.