Updated laws mean drivers face six penalty points and a £200 fine if caught using a mobile phone while driving for almost any reason, closing a previous loophole.
New rules ban virtually all hand-held use of mobile phones on Britain’s roads, in what Transport Secretary Grant Shapps described as a “zero-tolerance approach”.
New legislation means making phone calls and texting are not the only functions banned when behind the wheel.
Taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists and playing games will also be prohibited.
And passengers who are supervising a learner driver and are caught using a phone in the car could also be fined up to £1,000 and receive six points on a licence.
File photo dated 07/12/21 of Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, who has said the new law reflects a “zero-tolerance approach."
Aaron Chown
Department for Transport figures show 17 people were killed and a further 114 were seriously injured in crashes on Britain’s roads in which a driver using a mobile was a contributory factor.
Drivers will still be allowed to use their phones to make contactless payments, such as at drive-thru restaurants, as long as their vehicle is stationary.
They can also use their device as a sat-nav if it is secured in a cradle.
RAC spokesperson Rod Dennis said it was clear motorists are supportive of the changes to the law, adding: “While we welcome today’s law change and very much hope it will make a difference, it’s arguable that it will only be truly effective if it’s rigorously enforced.
“If some drivers still don’t feel they’re likely to be caught, then simply making the law tougher isn’t going to have the desired effect of making our roads safer.
“That explains why such a tiny proportion of drivers – just two per cent – think the new changes will be very effective in changing behaviour.
“The dial really needs to be turned up when it comes to enforcement, and that means police forces having the resources and technology they need to more easily catch those drivers that continue to flout the law.”