A new driving change is set to be introduced which could fine motorists for even touching their mobiles while driving.
Tougher laws regarding what motorists are not allowed to do with their phones are set to be introduced on March 25.
Drivers who are caught could face a hefty £200 fine or six points on their driving license if they seen by traffic cameras or the police.
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The current law bans drivers from making a call and texting while driving but the changes on March 25 will cover most scenarios including accessing the internet or taking photos.
The new law will stop drivers doing these things on March 25 – and if you do, you could be fined:
- illuminating the screen
- checking the time
- checking notifications
- unlocking the device
- making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call
- sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content
- sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video
- utilizing camera, video, or sound recording functionality
- draft any text
- accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages
- accessing an application
- accessing the internet
Edmund King, AA president, said: “The AA has long campaigned to toughen up these rules, and we welcome this announcement.
“This is a much needed upgrade of the law to help make our roads safer. Mobile phones offer many distractions and this sends a clear message that picking them up to use them will not be tolerated.
“The law will also become tougher as the use of smartwatches, tablets and laptops behind the wheel will apply.
“Drivers will be extremely limited on when they can pick up their phone, mainly to call the emergency services when there was no opportunity to safely pull over and to make contactless payments at drive-thrus.
“Being sat in a traffic jam or waiting at the lights is not an excuse, we want people to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.”
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