A Department of Transport roadside survey in autumn 2023 found 0.3% of drivers were using a mobile phone while driving on weekdays. The survey took place across England, which has about 34.5 million drivers.
The roadside survey further notes 22 people were killed and 652 injured in 2022 due to a driver using a mobile phone.
All drivers should be aware it's illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving.
What affect does driving with a mobile phone have?
Driving with a handheld mobile is very distracting: you can't keep both hands on the wheel, control the car properly, or focus fully on the road.
What are the penalties if you're caught driving with a mobile?
Since 25 March 2022 drivers caught using a handheld mobile face a fine of up to £1,000 and 6 penalty points, or a full driving ban.
Plus you could pay an increased car insurance premium for up to 5 years.1 Some insurers may not provide cover.
Why does the cost of insurance go up if you're caught with a mobile phone?
Your premiums will increase because you're considered a 'convicted driver'. Drivers with motoring convictions are viewed as higher risk and insurers have to cover this.
Regardless of why you used your phone, insurers will see you as more likely to be involved in an accident and to make a claim.
What do you do if an insurer refuses to give you cover after a mobile phone offence
It can be difficult to find insurance if you've been caught driving with a mobile phone.
We compared premiums quoted by nine insurance companies, for a 'clean' driver, and ones with speeding and mobile phone offences over a 5-year period. Of the nine, five wouldn't offer cover for a driver with a mobile phone offence.1
You can shop around and find insurers who are willing to cover you – commonly called convicted driver insurance – but you may pay at least 50% more. And don't forget the fine.
The premium will go down once the offence is wiped from your record after 5 years.
Is car insurance invalid immediately after you're caught using a mobile phone?
No. Your insurance will still cover you, and you don't have to tell your insurer until you renew your policy. This is when the cost of your premium could go up, or your insurer may refuse to renew your insurance.
Can I use a mobile to film or photograph dangerous driving?
The government has closed a legal loophole which let drivers escape prosecution for using hand-held phones behind the wheel. Some drivers were dodging punishment by recording videos or taking photos to report dangerous driving.
The law now says that any driver caught texting, taking photos, browsing the internet or scrolling through a playlist while behind the wheel will be prosecuted for using a handheld mobile phone while driving.
What if I'm driving and need to use a handheld mobile phone
Before you set off, set your phone to silent and pop it in the glove box (or the boot), so you won't be tempted to check it while you're driving.
If you forget to lock your phone away and it does ring or ping, don't look at it or answer it, no matter how quick you think the call will be. Here's what to do.
- If you're driving with a passenger, ask them to check your phone.
- Stay focussed on the road and pull over into a safe location. You can then use your phone.
- Even if you have a hands-free phone, keep the conversation short and simple, or say that you'll find a safe place to stop and phone back.
And remember that if you attach your phone to the dashboard:
- It has to be out of your direct line of vision.
- If you're using your phone as a satnav, you must have a preset route in place.
- Single-click use of a phone operating as a satnav is OK – for instance if you're selecting a new route due to traffic issues.
Author: The AA. Published 16 January 2020. Updated 21 October 2024.
1 AA press release 2018, AA highlights true cost of a mobile phone offence.