A new law is now in place meaning that holding and using a phone while driving is now illegal, including for satnav.
Laws were already in place to stop motorists from using their phones when driving or riding a motorcycle, but the legal loophole was changed and closed on March 25.
The government has been very clear on the law, saying: "It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, satnav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle.
"This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web."
AA president Edmund King said: “This is a much-needed toughening of the rules to help make our roads safer."
However, this doesn't mean the use of your phone while driving is completely illegal. There are some instances when you can, so what are they?
Can I still use my phone while driving?
There are still occasions when people can use their phones when driving, but it depends on how.
Holding the phone is not allowed and could engage the driver, passengers and people in other cars, as well as pedestrians.
Even if you try to get around the rules, the police can still stop you if they think you are not in full control of your vehicle.
If you are found in breach of the law then you could get six penalty points and a £200 fine for using your phone.
The law doesn't just apply to using phones, but "if you hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle".
Making calls
Of course, holding your phone when calling someone is not allowed and makes you a danger on the roads, but calls can be made when on the road if a hands-free headset is used.
You should not be holding your phone to answer the call, even if this means you can have it on your lap on loudspeaker. Use a Bluetooth connection to your car to accept a call or have your phone connected to the dashboard.
Satnav
Of course, you need to be able to tell where you are going and you can use your phone for satnav provided it is hands-free.
As a guide, hands-free applies to the following:
- a Bluetooth headset
- voice command
- a dashboard holder or mat
- a windscreen mount
- a built-in sat nav
Emergencies
If there is a real emergency, then you can use 999 or 112 if "it’s unsafe or impractical to stop".
Keep this for real emergencies only and assess the situation before using your phone - you may need to explain why you deemed there to be an emergency.
There is otherwise no reason to use your phone unless hands-free.
Safely parked
If you safely pull over and park, then you can use your phone to have a quick browse of your texts, scroll through your playlists or check the football score.
The law also states that for cars with the relevant technology, you can use your phone to park your car remotely, as well as use it for payments when using a drive-thru.
