In the UK (Great Britain: England, Scotland, and Wales), it is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone or certain other handheld devices while driving a motor vehicle or riding a motorcycle. This is covered by Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, as amended, and reinforced in Highway Code Rule 149. 
What the law prohibits
• You must not hold a phone (or similar device) in your hand and use it for any purpose while driving.
• This includes: texting, making/receiving calls, browsing the web, taking photos/videos, scrolling, playing music, using sat nav apps, or any other function — even if the device is offline, in flight mode, or not connected for calls/data.
• The ban applies even when stopped in traffic, at red lights, or if the engine is off temporarily (as long as you’re in control of the vehicle).
• It also applies to supervising a learner driver.
• Exceptions are very limited, such as calling 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency.
The key point is holding the device while using it. If the phone is securely mounted (e.g., in a cradle) and you interact with it without picking it up, that is generally not an offence under this specific regulation — though you could still be charged with driving without proper control or without due care and attention if it distracts you. 
Penalties
• Fixed Penalty Notice (most common): £200 fine + 6 penalty points on your licence.
• If taken to court (e.g., if you contest it or it’s more serious): up to £1,000 fine (£2,500 for drivers of buses/goods vehicles), 6 points, and possible disqualification.
• New drivers (those who passed their test less than 2 years ago): 6 points will result in your licence being automatically revoked. You would need to reapply and retake tests.
• Points last for 3 years from the date of conviction (for totting-up purposes).
• Additional risks: higher insurance premiums, potential separate charges for careless/dangerous driving if an incident occurs.
Northern Ireland has similar rules and penalties (£200 fine + 6 points, with court options for higher fines or disqualification). 
Practical advice
• Use hands-free options (e.g., Bluetooth, voice commands via a mounted device, or a passenger) where possible, but still ensure you maintain full control and view of the road.
• The safest option is to pull over and park safely before using your phone.
• Police can issue the penalty based on observation; bodycam or dashcam evidence is often used.
For the most up-to-date official details, check the gov.uk page on using mobile phones when driving. Laws can have minor updates, so always verify with official sources if needed. Driving distracted is a major cause of accidents — it’s not worth the risk.
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7 Comments
Same old story we dont have cops that act like us sherrifs
How can you be hypocritical about others breaking the highway code when you are riding your bike on the pavement?
Coming from someone who was hit by a cyclist riding on the pavement, I think he should consider riding on the pavement, especially at such a speed. If a kid ran out into the pavement from one of the properties he passed, they could end up with a significant head injury if hit and thrown through the air.
It is getting worse, I also see motorists using their phones more often nowadays, tougher penalties are needed. Thankfully pavement parking is gonna be illegal in England in Wales soon with £100 fine, so that’s going to be interesting to see, and It’s already illegal in Scotland.
Yes-phones! At least here in MO and ILLINOIS they made it a (crime) to be on your phone while driving. With that being said I don’t see a lot of police actually pulling people over for that and still see drivers in violation of that statute. With Bluetooth in cars these days there is no reason to have a phone plastered to your ear anymore-all my cars we have in our household are setup that way. A little voice activation or button on the steering wheel and you’re ready to talk.
Oh, sort of strange to us USA people to see you riding into the flow of traffic-that would be just for walkers that would travel in that direction. Oh well, it’s what ever you get use to.
Isnt it illegal to ride on pavement unless its designated and marked up as a shared cycle and pedestrian route ?
People getting off on the wrong thing here, by trying to make out you're the bad guy. It's a bloody cycle path if some of you bother to look.
The post is about phone use while driving. So don't try to defend it by changing the subject.
Stay safe out there…