Frequently Asked Questions

Surveys show that over 90% of respondents say it should be illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. But surveys also show that more than 25% of drivers admit to doing it.

It is hard to do two things at once and research has shown that if you are using your mobile phone while driving you are four time more likely to have a crash.

This is all reflected in the growing number of news stories about serious accidents caused by drivers who were not able to concentrate on the road, because they were using a mobile phone.

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

If you are an employer, you can be prosecuted if you require employees to make or receive calls while driving.

Yes. A driver may call 999 or 112 in response to a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop to make the call.

Two-way radios are not covered by this offence but other devices for sending or receiving data are included if they are held while driving (e.g. Personal Digital Assistants).