Mobile Telephones

Facts!

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile 'phone or similar device while driving. The penalty is £60 and 3 penalty-points and if the case goes to court, it's a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if driving a bus, coach or heavy goods vehicle) and discretionary disqualification. Your insurance costs could also increase.

You can also be prosecuted for using a handsfree 'phone or similar device if you are distracted and not in proper control of the vehicle. The same penalties apply.

Employers could also be prosecuted if employees are distracted because they require them to use their mobile phones while driving.

All telephone calls distract from driving - research shows that reaction times for drivers using a handheld 'phone are 30% worse than those driving whilst under the influence of alcohol at the legal limit and are four times more likely to crash.

If you reach 6 points within 2 years of passing your test, your licence will be revoked and you will need to re-sit your test to get your licence back.

DO NOT ring someone if you know they are or believe they might be driving - and if you do ring someone and they happen to be driving, DO NOT engage in conversation . . . say you will ring them later and HANG UP.

Click here to see the Direct Line Motor Insurance Mobile 'Phone report.

For more information, please e-mail us at enquiries@lac-consilium.com.