Mobile phone driving law UK 2022: new rules replace ‘outdated’ legislation, £200 fines and penalties explained

Drivers who use their mobile phone at the wheel now face strict new laws which could lead to a hefty fine or points on their licence.

From Friday 25 March, a long-standing loophole allowing motorists to escape punishment if they are taking a photo or playing a game on their phone will be closed.

It is against the law to use a handheld phone to make or receive calls or messages while driving, but outdated language in previous legislation meant activities such as taking pictures or scrolling through music playlists were not considered illegal.

The updated rules now bans virtually all hand-held use of mobile phone use while driving, in what Transport Secretary Grant Shapps described as a “zero-tolerance approach”.

Anyone caught using their hand-held device at the wheel could face a fine of up to £1,000 and six points on their licence.

What are the changes to the law?

The original law was created 17 years ago and banned “interactive communication” but not other offline uses. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the updates to the rules were being made to reflect the wide range of functions of modern smartphones and effectively ban any phone use while driving.

Under the changes, the law has been expanded to make it an offence to use a phone or other handheld device for non-connected mobile application actions while driving, including while stopped at traffic lights or in traffic jams. This includes but isn’t limited to:

• Illuminating the screen
• Unlocking the device
• Checking the time
• Checking notifications
• Rejecting a call
• Composing text messages or emails to save in drafts
• Taking photos or videos
• Using the phone’s camera as a mirror
• Searching for music stored on the phone
• Searching for photos or other images stored in the phone