Ministers want to Double the Punishment for the illegal use of a Mobile Phone while Driving

A word of warning for drivers, Ministers are looking to double the punishment if you are found using your handset behind the wheel.

Under the current law, motorists who are caught using a handset while driving will be punished with three penalty points and a minimum fine of £100. However, this could be increased to a six point penalty (resulting in an instant loss of licence) and a minimum fine of £200.

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Drivers that were distracted by their phone resulted in approx 492 accidents in Britain in 2014, according to figures from the Department of Transport.

The RAC have also published figures suggesting that 31% of motorists have admitted to using a handheld device whilst driving,  compared to just 8% two years ago. Users admitting to sending a message or using social media behind the wheel also rose from 7% to 19% in the same period. These figures are only likely to rise with the increase in popularity of wearable tech and easier access to tech on the go.

 

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