suffolkroadsafe.net > You are in > Adult road safety

Untitled Document
Suffolk Roadsafe website banner
Top navigation

Untitled Document

Homepage
Campaigns
Adult Road Users
Children and Young People
Enforcement
Highways Engineering
Contacts
Space bar


Back to Safe driving

Mobile phones

Mobile phone posterIt is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving, even when you are stopped at traffic lights or in a queue of traffic. This includes making or receiving calls, pictures, text messaging or accessing the Internet. You must pull over to a safe location.

Drivers

The problem with using a mobile phone while driving is that even if you are a careful driver, you will still be distracted by a call or text message. Your concentration and anticipation will be affected.
  • Keep your mobile phone switched off when driving and use your voicemail, a message service or call diversion so that messages can be left for you when your phone is switched off.
  • Only use your mobile phone after you have stopped in a safe place.
  • You may think a hands-free phone will enable you to have control of your vehicle, but your mind will not be fully on your driving and it is still best to stop before you answer or make a call.

 

Employers

  • Do not ask your staff to make or receive calls when they are driving.
  • As an employer you may also be prosecuted if you require your employees to use a mobile phone when driving .
  • If it is essential for your staff to be contacted when they are driving, tell them to use voice mail, a message service or call diversion and to stop regularly to check messages and return calls.

 

Mobile phone - new legislation

Government legislation surrounding the use of mobile phones whilst driving will be changing on February 27 2007 . The penalty for driving whilst using a hand held mobile will be increased from £30 to £60 in addition to 3 points being added to your driving licence. The advice leaflet 'Dying to take the call?' can be downloaded here.

Illegal use of a hand-held mobile includes making or receiving calls, pictures, text messaging or accessing the Internet. You must pull over to a safe location.

You can also be prosecuted for using a hands-free mobile phone if you fail to have proper control of your vehicle.

If you drive carelessly or dangerously when using any phone the penalties can include disqualification, a large fine, and up to two years imprisonment.

If you are an employer, you may also be prosecuted if you require your employees to use a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is an offence to cause or permit the use of a hand-held mobile phone when driving. It is also an offence to cause or permit a driver not to have proper control of a vehicle.

The only exception to the rule is when you need to call 999.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources

Free posters and leaflets click here
Mobile phones and driving FAQ's click here

 

Suffolk Safecam Logo