Phone laws being brought into ’21st century’
Regulators are closing a loophole that allows drivers to take photos or play games on their phones while driving.
As it stands, it is illegal to make calls or send texts but scrolling through music playlists, taking videos or playing games on mobile devices is not considered “interactive communication”.
However, new legislation, which should be introduced early next year, will make it illegal for anyone to touch their mobile phone while driving. Drivers caught breaking these laws will face fines of £200 and six penalty points.
The president of the AA, Edmund King, said: “There’s no excuse for picking up a mobile phone when driving, so we’re pleased this loophole will be closed. Phones do so much more than calls and texts, so it’s only right that the law is changed to keep pace with technology. Tweets, TikTok and Instagram snaps can all wait until you park up.
“If you can’t resist the temptation to pick up your phone, then you should convert your glovebox into a phonebox.”
Hands-free will not be subject to the tighter restrictions.
Roads minister Baroness Charlotte Vere, who today announced the plans, said: “Our roads are some of the safest in the world, but we want to make sure they’re safer still by bringing the law into the 21st century.”
