UK to Prevent Smartphone Use While Driving from 2022

Britain issued a law that bans drivers from using smartphones starting from next year as part of a UK government crackdown on road safety.

It is illegal to make a phone call using a hand-held device while driving. Now, the new driving law will prevent motorists from using their phones to take photos or videos, scroll through social media or play games.

Under the new law, those caught touching their smartphones for any reason shall be issued a £200 fine and up to six penalty points on their driving license. In this sense, the new rule will “be more precise” that being stationary in traffic would count as driving,

Moreover, the Department for Transport (DfT) affirmed that this would ensure drivers understood it would be “illegal” to use a phone in motorway traffic jams.

However, the DfT noted that the drivers will still be able to use ‘hands-free’ while behind the wheel if it is secured in a cradle.

Transport Secretary Grants Shapps said the new update would help “protect all road users”.

“Too many deaths and injuries occur whilst mobile phones are being held," he said. “By making it easier to prosecute people illegally using their phone at the wheel, we are ensuring the law is brought into the 21st Century while further protecting all road users."