New Mobile Phone Law for Motorists!

UK Motorists who now choose to use a mobile phone whilst driving could be in twice as much trouble and face a more costly car insurance premium. Now drivers can be fined £60 which is double what tehy were charged before and also face an additional 3 penalty points to their driving license. The new law comes into effect from 27th February 2007 as the transport secretary Douglas Alexander enforces that two things cannot be done at once.

It is only legal to use the phone while it's in a fixed cradle. Also dialling can only be made from a "one-touch" speeddial. Should police think you were actually dialling a number or texting you will still be committing an offence and will be issued with a fixed penalty.

Should you decide to let the matter of a fixed penalty go to court rather than paying it, then a maximum fine of £1000 against car drivers is issued or £2500 for drivers of vans, lorries and buses etc.

Experts predict that you are four times more likely to be involved in an accident and crash if you are using a mobile phone even if it is a hands-free system. National statistics show that over 90% of drivers agree with the new law however over 20% have admitted to continue to use their mobile phone whilst driving. Also only 1 in 100 people are actually caught in the act of the offense by the police.

Top Tip

Switch your mobile phone off before you get into your car and put it in the glove compartment. Even if police catch you with your mobile phone switched on and its within hands reach they have the power to use their discretion should they even think you were using it.

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