Admin l Wednesday, March 01, 2017
NOTHINGHAM, England- The Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency has increased penalty for driving with handheld phone as part of effort to reduce accidents on roads.
According to the new directive, anybody found driving with handheld phone now have 6 points deducted from his drivers licence in addition to a fine of £200.
“Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal. It has been since 2003. From 1 March, the penalties for holding and using your phone while driving have increased. It’s now 6 points and £200”, the Driver and Vehicle Standard Agency, London has said.
It is however not illegal to use hands free, but any time a driver’s attention is not on the road can be dangerous,the agency said.
According to the agency, studies show that drivers using a hands-free or handheld mobile phone are slower at recognising and reacting to hazards.
“Even careful drivers can be distracted by a call or text – and a split-second lapse in concentration could result in a crash”, the agency said.
The law
“It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving. This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
“You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
“If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving, you’ll get 6 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £200. Points on your licence will result in higher insurance costs. If you get just 6 points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence.
“Using hands free (e.g. for navigation) is not illegal. However, if this distracts you and affects your ability to drive safely, you can still be prosecuted by the police”, the law said.
Drivers are advised to put their phones away before driving so they won’t be tempted to use it.
“Make the glove compartment the phone compartment. Don’t call other people when they’re driving. Use hands free devices responsibly”, the agency said.
