Mobile 'Phone use in cars

[Diver Fred]

Looks like the rules have Changed / Tightened Up.

Been told in the pub that passenger use is now likely to lead to prosecution... But reading deeper into it would seem that it only applies to passengers who are monitoring learner drivers.

Would be good if HMG updated their website as well.

 

[foxhole]

No change.Holding mobile phone while in charge of vehicle has always been an offence .

 

[Trazor]

Nothing to see here, move on.

 

[Brigadier]

No change.Holding mobile phone while in charge of vehicle has always been an offence .

Somebody tell Mottie (private number plate stalker )

 

[motorbiking]

It’s just how a phone is defined that has changed. They previously defined them by the frequency

 

[Mottie]

Somebody tell Mottie (private number plate stalker )

Lol. Being in the motor trade, I notice them probably more than others would - always have done. Anyway, most of my photo's are taken while I am walking or the cars are stationary. The others are taken over my shoulder by my passengers.

 

[conny]

Lol. Being in the motor trade, I notice them probably more than others would - always have done. Anyway, most of my photo's are taken while I am walking or the cars are stationary. The others are taken over my shoulder by my passengers.

To use your phone in any manner whilst being in charge of a motor vehicle requires the engine to be switched off and the key/card removed from the ignition.
Mate got charged/fined for sitting in a lay-by using his phone with the engine running. Only 6 months or so ago.

 

[diy_fun_uk]

To use your phone in any manner whilst being in charge of a motor vehicle requires the engine to be switched off and the key/card removed from the ignition.
Mate got charged/fined for sitting in a lay-by using his phone with the engine running. Only 6 months or so ago.

If they were safely stopped in a proper layby, I reckon that's harsh, I wonder if it's discretionary? What if you were driving a vehicle from a to b that you knew most likely wouldn't start again if you cut the engine? Maybe you'd need to pull over to phone someone for a multitude of reasons.

I get that phones are a different thing, however it's surely becoming a bit more of a grey area with all the flashy tech in cars these days? Many of them you now need to interact with a screen to do anything instead of good old fashioned knobs/dials. Is that not distracting?

Btw, before anyone starts, I'm in NO way condoning using a mobile in your hands when driving.

 

[pcaouolte]

Someone locally got fined for using their phone to pay at McDonalds. They weren't on the road and they weren't using the phone to call or text, just to tap on the card payment device out of the car window. Copper in the car behind them must have been having a bad day.

 

[foxhole]

Someone locally got fined for using their phone to pay at McDonalds. They weren't on the road and they weren't using the phone to call or text, just to tap on the card payment device out of the car window. Copper in the car behind them must have been having a bad day.

Should have contested it , assuming it’s not just hearsay.

Following the recent update to the law, drivers can make a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant. And with new technology being introduced to vehicles, drivers can use a mobile phone if it is being used park your vehicle remotely.

 

[Mottie]

To use your phone in any manner whilst being in charge of a motor vehicle requires the engine to be switched off and the key/card removed from the ignition.

That’s what I do officer!

 

[motorbiking]

To use your phone in any manner whilst being in charge of a motor vehicle requires the engine to be switched off and the key/card removed from the ignition.
Mate got charged/fined for sitting in a lay-by using his phone with the engine running. Only 6 months or so ago.

Should have got legal advice. I believe there is case law on that. I will check

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

I stop and switch off the ignition to call, but mainly because this makes the bluetooth disconnect from the phone so I can use it as a normal phone instead of shouting at the rear view mirror.

Having in-depth conversations while hands-free and driving is almost as bad as using one handheld. Many have detailed discussions while driving, they are definitely not concentrating on the road when doing this.

Perhaps phones should be required to limit calls to two minutes while moving, enough time to say you'll be late, not enough to have a technical meeting.

 

[motorbiking]

Confirmed.

Should have taken legal advice. There is no specific definition and I reckon the Madge might have been persuaded. Particularly if the person could argue the engine was providing heat/aircon etc. someone parked up with the brake on and not in gear could have a defence.

Road Traffic: Mobile phones | The Crown Prosecution Service

www.cps.gov.uk

 

[Brigadier]

To use your phone in any manner whilst being in charge of a motor vehicle requires the engine to be switched off and the key/card removed from the ignition

Which is, quite frankly, utter bollogs.

No wonder the police have little respect nowadays, they're probably embarrassed having to enforce such carp.