New laws for using the mobile phone in the car

The handling of a phone or mobile device, whether checking notifications, checking time, or canceling the device, will be banned under the new rules that will take effect on March 25th.

Drivers caught breaking the new rules could face a fine of £ 200 or six points on their license.

This is all you need to know about the new rules.

New mobile phone rules for drivers

Drivers can not:

• illuminate the screen
• check the time
• check notifications
• Lock the Device
• make, receive or reject a telephone or Internet-based call
• send, receive or upload oral or written content
• send, receive or upload a photo or video
• uses camera, video or sound recording functionality
• designed all text
• Access all stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, movies, playlists, notes or messages
• Access to an application
• Internet access

The only exceptions to the new rules are when you make an emergency call, when it is not possible to stop or pull, or make a contactless payment at a toll or drive-thru.

Using your phone as a sat nav is still allowed as long as it is secured in a holder.

Hands-free calls are also allowed.

Edmund King, AA President, said: “The AA has long campaigned to enforce these rules, and we welcome this announcement.

“This is a much used upgrade of the law to make our roads safer. Cell phones offer a lot of distractions and this sends a clear message that picking them up to use them will not be tolerated.

“The law will also be tougher when it comes to the use of smartwatches, tablets and laptops behind the wheel.

“Drivers will be extremely limited if they can pick up their phone, mainly to call emergency services when there was no opportunity to pull over safely and make contactless payments during drive-thrus.

“Sitting in a traffic jam or waiting for the lights is no excuse. We want people to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.”