Mobile Phones While Driving: UK Rules and Penalties

Six points and a £200 fine since 1 March 2017

The fixed penalty for holding and using a phone while driving doubled on 1 March 2017. The law now covers a wider range of uses, including taking photos, selecting music and checking notifications. Whether you drive professionally for a private transfer service or use your own car, the same road-safety obligations apply.

• Before 1 March 2017: three penalty points and a £100 fine.
• From 1 March 2017: six penalty points and a £200 fine.

Holding and using a phone while driving can bring six penalty points and a £200 fine. A driver who accumulates six points within two years of passing their test loses their licence under the new-driver rules. A court case, driving ban or separate careless or dangerous driving charges may follow in more serious circumstances.

Common questions about the rules

Can I use my phone at a red light?

No. The ban on holding and using a device also applies while waiting at traffic lights or in a queue. Being safely parked is different from stopping temporarily in traffic.

Can I press a button to answer a call or activate hands-free?

You must not hold the phone and use it. Hands-free access or a device in a holder is permitted only while you retain proper control and a clear view of the road. There is no statutory requirement to mount a phone at a 45° angle.

Can I play music from my phone?

Bluetooth, voice control and other hands-free arrangements are allowed. You must not pick up and operate the phone to choose music, and distraction that affects your driving can still lead to prosecution.

Is touching a phone always prohibited?

Touching a mounted device is not automatically unlawful merely because the engine is running. Holding and using it while driving is prohibited. The limited exceptions include being safely parked, an emergency call to 999 or 112 when stopping is unsafe or impractical, contactless payment from a stationary vehicle and remote parking.

Can I use speakerphone with the phone on my lap?

Hands-free use is permitted, but a phone on your lap can distract you or interfere with control. A suitable secure holder is a better arrangement. You must not take the phone in your hand and operate it while driving.

Can I use my phone as a sat nav?

Yes, provided you do not hold it, it is positioned securely and it does not obstruct your view. Set the route before setting off. No specific 45° mounting angle is required, but you remain responsible for controlling the vehicle.

Can a professional driver accept app bookings while driving?

You cannot accept a booking by holding and operating your phone at the wheel, including at traffic lights or in a queue. Stop and park safely before dealing with the app. A mounted device does not remove the obligation to keep full control and attention on the road.