The government plans to “close” a legal loophole that has allowed drivers who use mobile phones for photography to escape prosecution.
In July, a man overturned a conviction for filming a crash, saying he was “not using his phone to communicate”. The government is set to update the law to include internet use and other functions that can be completed on a mobile phone and similar devices. They say that the legislation’s have fell behind concerning smart phones.
The loophole has been taken advantage of by multiple people in court.
The law
- Using a hand-held mobile phone or sat nav while driving is illegal
- Any hands-free devices should be fully set up before you drive
- Police still have the power to stop you if they think you have been distracted
- The law still applies if you’re stopped in traffic or queuing at lights
- You could get penalty points, a fine and/or a driving ban if you break the law
Despite the strictness of phone use being tightened in the coming months, others claim that a total ban on all devices, including hands free devices, needs to be imposed.
“All phone use behind the wheel is dangerous and to get this message across to drivers the law must reflect this,” The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) senior public affairs officer Samuel Nahk said.
“Far too many people still use their phone behind the wheel, yet it should be as unacceptable as drink driving, with research showing that reaction times whilst texting are double those of drink-drivers.”
