Although there are already rules in place which forbids drivers from making phone calls or texting whilst they are driving, the government are bringing in more restrictions.The tightening of rules, which will be enforced in 2022, will mean that you will no longer be able to film or take pictures on your phone. Not only this, but you also won't be able to look through playlists or play games. This means that using a mobile phone "while driving under virtually any circumstance" will be criminalised, and you will receive not only a fixed £200 fine, but also 6 points on your license. However, there a few exemptions to this rule, as The Department for Transport wanted to “ensure the law keeps pace with technology”. These exceptions include using your phone to pay at toll roads or drivethrough shops and restaurants, and also using your phone as a satnav as long as it is secured.These changes come after the government opened up a public enquiry, where 81% of participants stated they agreed with the proposed changes, and believed it would make the roads safer for all.
Grant Shapps, who is the Transport Secretary, stated that “Too many deaths and injuries occur while mobile phones are being held.
"By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st century while further protecting all road users.
“While our roads remain among the safest in the world, we will continue working tirelessly to make them safer, including through our award-winning Think! campaign, which challenges social norms among high-risk drivers."
Back in 2019, an individual was found not guilty, after using his mobile to record a video. The judge stated that the laws in place didn't specifically outline this use of a mobile behind the wheel as illegal, and therefore they could not deem it appropriate to prosecute the individual.