How to Avoid Points for Using Mobile Phone?

Using a mobile phone while driving in the UK is a serious offence, and if you’re caught, you can receive 6 penalty points and a £200 fine — or more severe penalties in some cases. Here’s a detailed guide on how to avoid getting points for mobile phone use while driving in the UK, while staying within the law.

How to Avoid Points for Using a Mobile Phone While Driving (UK)

Under current UK law, holding and using any device while driving—including a phone, sat nav, tablet, or anything that can send or receive data—is strictly prohibited. This includes both online and offline use.

🚫 What You Cannot Do:

It’s illegal to physically handle a device for any reason while driving or riding a motorcycle. This covers:

• Sending or reading messages
• Making or answering calls
• Recording videos or taking photos
• Scrolling through apps or websites
• Using your device in flight mode or offline

And yes, the rules still apply even when:

• You’re stopped at red lights
• You’re in a traffic jam
• Your car engine stops automatically in idle mode
• You’re teaching a learner driver
• The device is offline or in airplane mode

✅ Legal Ways to Use a Phone in the Car

To avoid penalty points, only use your phone in these legal ways:

1. Use a Fully Hands-Free Setup

• Use Bluetooth, voice command (e.g., Siri/Google Assistant), or an in-built infotainment system.
• Use a dashboard mount or windscreen cradle – your phone must not obstruct your view.

📌 You must remain in full control of your vehicle, even while using hands-free. If police believe you’re distracted, you could still be penalised.

2. Pull Over Safely and Turn Off the Engine

You can legally use your phone if:

• You’re safely parked, and
• Your engine is switched off
• You’re not blocking roads, bus lanes, or active traffic zones

This is the only fully legal time to touch your phone.

✅ When You’re Allowed to Hold a Device

The law allows you to handle your phone only in these specific cases:

• If you need to dial 999 or 112 during an emergency, and stopping is unsafe or impossible
• If your vehicle is safely parked and not moving
• When making a contactless payment at a drive-through or toll while the vehicle is stationary
• If you’re using your phone or device for remote parking features

🗣️ Hands-Free Usage: What’s Allowed

You are allowed to use devices hands-free, but you must never hold the device while doing so. Acceptable hands-free options include:

• Bluetooth headsets
• Voice-activated systems (e.g., Siri or Google Assistant)
• Built-in or dashboard-mounted sat navs
• Secure windscreen mounts or holders

⚠️ Make sure your device does not block your view of the road or surroundings.

🚔 Responsibility and Control

Even with hands-free use, you must remain fully in control of your vehicle at all times. If police believe you’re distracted or not paying attention, they can still stop and fine you.

⚖️ Penalties for Illegal Device Use

🧠 Final Reminder

To drive legally and safely:

• Only use hands-free systems
• Never touch your device while on the move
• Park safely if you must use your phone

Avoid distractions. Stay focused. Keep your licence clean.