![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/highway-code-rule-change-could-see-drivers-slapped-with-1000-fine-and-6-points/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/0_Police-man-pulled-over-car.jpg&description=Drivers can now get in trouble just for touching a phone or any device that can send and receive data when behind the wheel - and they could be slapped with a £200 fine Drivers face being fined and penalty points added to their licence if they touch their mobile phone behind the wheel. Under the previous rules, it was illegal to text or make a phone call, other than in an emergency, using a hand-held device while driving. But a key change to the Highway Code last year means drivers can get in trouble just for touching a phone, sat-nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data when behind the wheel. This can result in drivers being slapped with a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence. If you get taken to court, you could face being banned from driving and face a maximum fine of £1,000, or £2,500 if you're driving a lorry or bus. Drivers remain exempt when using their phones to pay when at a drive-thru restaurant or toll roads, or in the event of an emergency, or if they're safely parked and not moving. Motorists can also still use 'hands-free' devices when driving, as well as their phone as a sat-nav, as long as it is secured in a holder. The tweak to the Highway Code was introduced in March 2022 but many motorists may not be up to date with the change. Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, said: "Bear in mind the law about mobile phone use applies in most situations where you might be easily tempted to pick up your device for a quick check. Queuing in traffic or waiting patiently at the traffic light? Even if you're not currently on the move, you must leave your phone where it is." Last October, car insurance company Veygo found almost 31% of drivers didn't know the new guidelines. Sam added: "To ensure you're safe on the road, leave your handheld device in the glovebox, central console or, if you're using it as a sat-nav, in a phone holder mounted on your windscreen or dashboard – as long as it is not obstructing your view. It's ok to opera){kind=link}
Drivers can now get in trouble just for touching a phone or any device that can send and receive data when behind the wheel – and they could be slapped with a £200 fine
Drivers face being fined and penalty points added to their licence if they touch their mobile phone behind the wheel.
Under the previous rules, it was illegal to text or make a phone call, other than in an emergency, using a hand-held device while driving. But a key change to the Highway Code last year means drivers can get in trouble just for touching a phone, sat-nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data when behind the wheel.
This can result in drivers being slapped with a £200 fine and six penalty points on their licence. If you get taken to court, you could face being banned from driving and face a maximum fine of £1,000, or £2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus.
Drivers remain exempt when using their phones to pay when at a drive-thru restaurant or toll roads, or in the event of an emergency, or if they’re safely parked and not moving. Motorists can also still use “hands-free” devices when driving, as well as their phone as a sat-nav, as long as it is secured in a holder.