Device driving laws: what is and what isn’t legal?

Jul 27, 2023

Do you know what’s safe and legal when it comes to using devices in cars? Learn more in our guide

The rise of mobile technology and helpful in-car gadgets has revolutionised the way we drive.

From built-in satellite-navigation systems (sat-navs) to being able to connect your phone to your car or even using voice commands, drivers now have more information and entertainment at their fingertips than ever before.

But with this comes potential distraction – and with that distraction comes the risk of an accident.

Learn more about driving laws for phones and other technology in our guide.

How to get the most out of your connected car

With Brits spending an average of four hours and 14 minutes on the phone per day, it’s a wonder we have time to drive at all.

While using your phone and driving at the same time is a big legal no-no, it’s also illegal to use your phone while waiting at traffic lights or waiting in queuing traffic.

It’s also illegal to hold your phone while driving, even if you’re not using it.

For driving instructors, it’s against the law to check your phone while supervising a learner driver.

To be safe, keep your phone out of site and safely stored anytime you’re behind the wheel.

When can you use your phone in the car?

You should aim to use your phone in your car only when you’re safely parked and the engine is off, but there are some occasions when you can legally use your phone behind the wheel. This includes using your phone to call 999 in an emergency.

You can also use your phone for stationary contactless payments at car drive-thrus to quickly tap the car reader and pay for your order.

You should be quick to safely put away your phone after it’s been used for one of these exceptions to make sure you’re staying within the law.

Sam Sheehan, motoring editor at cinch, explained: “Bear in mind that the law about mobile phone use applies in most situations where you might be easily tempted to pick up your device for a quick check.

“Queueing in traffic or waiting patiently at the traffic light? Even if you’re not currently on the move, you must leave your phone where it is.

“To ensure you’re safe on the road, leave your handheld device in the glovebox, central console or, if you’re using it as a sat-nav, in a phone holder mounted on your windscreen or dashboard – as long as it is not obstructing your view.

“It’s ok to operate your phone in hands-free mode, but you need to make sure you’re paying full attention to the road around you.”

If you get caught using your phone while behind the wheel, you can receive a £200 fine and six points on your licence in the UK. If taken to court, this fine can increase to £1,000.

The maximum penalty for bus and lorry drivers is £2,500.

While sat-navs are a handy addition to modern cars that remove the need for faffing with a map, they can also be a distraction on the roads.

Just like with your phone, you should avoid fiddling with your sat-nav system while driving the car and ensure your focus stays on the road.

Properly positioning your sat-nav can be tricky, so take this into consideration before you head off. The Highway Code says that windows and windscreens must be free from visual obstructions at all times.

It’s always best to mount your sat-nav on the lower part of the windscreen, and ideally on the driver’s right-hand side.

It’s best to set up your sat-nav before you head off on your journey and trust your instinct if the route seems unsuitable. If you need to adjust the settings on your sat-nav, it’s safer to pull over and park up in an appropriate spot so this isn’t a distraction to your driving.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are handy systems that allow your smartphone to be mirrored in your car’s infotainment screen. You can accept calls, read texts and play music from your phone.

The law in the UK allows drivers to use these systems while driving, but you should always make sure your focus is on the road and not on the screen.

Utilise the system’s voice command settings so you don’t need to take your eyes off what’s happening in front.

There are currently no laws against wearing headphones while driving in the UK, despite 83% of UK motorists believing this should be made illegal.

The Highway Code does state that drivers should avoid distractions while driving, and you could be found to be driving carelessly if your headphones are taking your focus off the road.

If you’re crossing the English Channel, bear in mind that French law is less permissive. Be it for music purposes or phone calls, drivers and riders in France are prohibited altogether from wearing headsets or headphones while driving.

If caught, you will be fined about £115 on the spot.

You should also bear in mind that playing music at excessive volume in your car goes against Road Vehicles Regulations 1986 and is likely to land you with a fine.

Loud music can be a distraction to drivers and prevents you from hearing approaching cars or the sirens of emergency service vehicles.

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