Do you want to lose your driving licence?

 
From today (1 March 2017), the penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving will increase to 6 points on your licence and a £200 fine.
 
As a new driver, this would mean if you are caught using your phone in the 2 years from passing your test, you will lose your licence.
 
You must then retake their practical and theory too.
 
More experienced drivers can be banned if they get 12 points in three years.
 
The tougher punishments come alongside a hard-hitting advertising campaign from the Department of Transport – Think!. See their website for full details. Think! Website
 

Watch – The ‘Think!’ Videos

 

 
 
Of course, losing your licence is bad, but is not the worst thing that can happen – you could kill yourself, your passengers or any pedestrian.
 
It’s simply not worth it. Please, please don’t risk it.
 
 

Can you pass the ‘Driving Challenge’

 

To show you how difficult it is to do two things at once, play this Think! game to find out how a phone call distracts you when driving.

*NB – Needs Flash Player installed to run correctly- download and install here: adobe flashplayer If you cannot access, please try the Think! site’s version – Think!
 
 
 

Watch – Other Think! Videos

 
See how your actions could devastate lives…
 

 

Department of Transport advice:

 
Can I check social media or texts if I’m queuing in traffic or stopped at traffic lights?
 
No – a hand held phone cannot be used, even if stopped at lights. Texting and scrolling social media (even if the phone is mounted on a hands-free holder) is distracting and dangerous. It doesn’t come under the handheld mobile phone law but the police may decide to charge you with a number of other offences.
 
Can I use my phone to listen to music, play podcasts or watch video clips?
 
You can’t watch video clips – not even if your phone is mounted in a hands-free holder.
 
You can use your phone to listen to music and podcasts but only if your phone is in a hands-free holder or connected by Bluetooth.
 
However, just as you can be distracted by the noise of a car radio, if it affects your ability to drive safely, you could still be prosecuted by the police.
 
Can I use my phone’s sat nav?
 
Yes – as long as the phone is mounted in a hands-free holder. If it’s in your hands, it’s illegal.
 
However, if you are distracted by the sat nav and it affects your ability to drive safely, you could still be prosecuted by the police.
 
Can I pull over onto a single yellow line to check my phone?
 
Yes, providing you are safely parked – and there are no road markings showing restrictions at that time.
 
What counts as hands-free?
 
A dashboard holder or cradle, earphones or a Bluetooth connection. It is illegal to use hand-held microphones or to hold your phone out on loudspeaker.
 
So what can I do on my phone?
 
You can only use your phone in your hands if you are safely parked. The only exception is if you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it is unsafe or impractical to stop.
 
What about learner drivers?
 
The same rules apply, and it is also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or motorcycle rider.
 
 
Source: Dept of Transport