Make sure you have your say on the Department for Transport’s consultation on mobile phone use by drivers.
In a bid to close a legislation loophole and improve road safety, people using a hand-held mobile phone in all circumstances while driving will be breaking the law, under new government plans.
It’s already a criminal offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to call or text while driving, but not for other actions such as taking photos. While still distracting, drivers have escaped punishment due to a legal loophole where such actions aren’t seen as ‘interactive communication’.
The consultation, which closes on 17 January 2021, proposes that drivers caught taking photos, playing games or scrolling through a playlist behind the wheel will be breaking the law.
Recognising that mobile phones are commonly used as a method of payment – such as at drive-thrus – an exemption will apply under the new proposals for contactless payments, if a vehicle is stationary, and if goods or services – such as a takeaway meal – are delivered immediately.
To take part in the BVRLA’s consultation response, contact [email protected].
