Texting While Driving / Using Mobiles

Texting and Driving Laws – Offences, Penalties and Fines

Why is legal representation important if accused of texting while driving?

If you have been accused of using your hand-held mobile phone while driving, give us a call and we can arrange a fixed fee appointment to answer any questions you may have.

For immediate assistance, to find out more or to arrange an appointment with one of our expert driving offence solicitors, contact us now.

It is against the law to use a hand-held phone or similar electronic device whilst driving a motor vehicle. With recent changes in the law it is more important to ensure that you are given the best and most accurate advice to ensure the best outcome is achieved.

It makes no difference whether you are stationary at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. You do not need to be making a call or texting whilst driving. The legislation states that merely interacting with an electronic device whilst driving is an offence. For example, this could be:

• Using a mobile phone while driving
• Using apps on a phone while driving

Texting and driving laws require only that the device is sending or receiving information. It should be noted that this offence can also be committed by using a hand-held phone or similar device whilst supervising a learner driver.

Texting whilst driving: What are the legal penalties?

If you are caught using a mobile phone while driving it is likely you will be issued with a fixed penalty notice. You will receive 6 penalty points endorsed upon on your licence and a fine of £100.

Should your case proceed to court, the consequences of texting and driving or using a mobile device can be serious. In some cases you may be disqualified from driving, penalty points added to your licence and fined up to £1000. If you are driving a bus or commercial or heavy goods vehicle, the fine for talking on a mobile while driving or using a mobile device can be increased by the court to up to £2,500.

There is also the potential for other charges, such as causing death by dangerous driving, dangerous driving or careless driving. The use of a mobile phone in circumstances that cause an accident have far greater consequences than using a mobile phone while driving.

There are certain circumstances in which you are able to use your phone and you may have a defence. It is also up to the police to prove the case against you and you are entitled to have your side heard at court.