It's illegal to hold and use a mobile phone while driving in the UK. This applies even when you're stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. The law changed in 2022 to close loopholes, and penalties now include a £200 fine and six points on your licence.

If you're new to driving in the UK, understanding mobile phone laws is essential. Many countries have different rules, so what was acceptable elsewhere might land you in trouble here. This guide explains everything you need to know to stay safe and legal.

What is the mobile phone driving law in the UK?

Since March 2022, UK law prohibits holding and using a handheld mobile phone or similar device for any reason while driving. The legislation covers phones, tablets, sat navs and any device that can send or receive data.

The law applies when you're:

• Driving on any road
• Stopped at traffic lights
• Queuing in traffic
• Supervising a learner driver
• In control of a vehicle with the engine running

This is one of several surprising UK driving laws that catches people out. The 2022 update closed a legal loophole that previously allowed drivers to escape penalties for actions like taking photos or scrolling through playlists, as long as they weren't making calls or sending messages.

Now, the definition of "using" a phone covers practically everything you can do with it. The moment you pick up your device while in control of a vehicle, you're breaking the law.

Can I touch my phone in a cradle while driving in the UK?

This is where the law gets nuanced. The offence specifically relates to "holding" a phone, not "touching" it.

You can use your phone in a cradle or mount without committing the handheld phone offence, as long as you don't pick it up at any point. Technically, this means you could tap the screen of a phone that's secured in a holder.

However, there's an important catch. Even though touching a mounted phone doesn't break the specific mobile phone law, police can still charge you with driving without due care and attention if they believe you're distracted. This carries three penalty points and a £100 fine.

The safest approach is to treat your mounted phone like your car's built-in touchscreen. Set everything up before you start driving and use voice commands while on the move. Following proper UK driving etiquette means keeping your full attention on the road, even with technology that's technically legal to use.

Your phone mount also needs to be positioned correctly. It can't obstruct your view of the road ahead. Placing it within the area cleared by your windscreen wipers counts as an obstruction and could result in penalties.

What counts as using a mobile phone while driving?

The law defines "using" a phone very broadly. You're breaking the law if you hold your phone while:

• Making or receiving calls
• Sending texts, emails or messages
• Taking photos or videos
• Recording videos or audio
• Scrolling through playlists or apps
• Checking social media
• Playing games
• Using any apps
• Checking notifications
• Illuminating the screen
• Unlocking the device
• Accessing stored data like documents, photos or notes
• Browsing the internet

It doesn't matter if your phone is in flight mode, has no signal, or if mobile data is switched off. If the device is capable of transmitting and receiving data, it falls under the legislation.

The law also covers tablets, sat navs and smartwatches. Essentially, any handheld device that can send or receive information is included. This is one of those expensive driving mistakes that UK drivers need to avoid.

UK mobile phone driving exceptions: when can you use your phone?

There are only three specific situations where you can legally use a handheld phone while in control of a vehicle.

1. Emergency calls

You can call 999 or 112 if there's a genuine emergency and it's unsafe or impractical to stop first. The key words are "unsafe or impractical". If you can safely pull over, you must do so before making the call.

2. Contactless payments

You can use your phone to make a contactless payment at a payment terminal when your vehicle is stationary. This typically applies at drive-through restaurants or car parks. The item or service you're paying for must be provided immediately or after payment. Your engine can be running, but you must be completely stopped.

3. Hands-free use

You can use your phone hands-free, but only if it's properly secured and you never hold it. This includes:

• Phones mounted in a cradle or holder
• Bluetooth headsets
• Voice control systems (Siri, Google Assistant)
• Apple CarPlay or Android Auto
• Built-in car systems

Everything must be set up before you start driving. Even with hands-free technology, you must remain in full control of your vehicle. If police believe you're distracted or not driving safely, they can still stop and penalise you.

UK driving fines for mobile phone use

If you're caught using a handheld phone while driving, the standard penalty is:

• £200 fixed penalty notice
• 6 penalty points on your driving licence

For more serious cases, particularly those involving dangerous driving or causing an accident, you could face:

• A court appearance
• Fines up to £1,000 (£2,500 for lorry or bus drivers)
• A driving ban
• In extreme cases, prison sentences

The points stay on your licence for four years, though they only count towards a ban for the first three years.

Points on your licence will also increase your car insurance premium significantly. Insurers view a CU80 conviction (the code for mobile phone offences) as high-risk behaviour. You could see premium increases of 20-50% or more, and some insurers may refuse to cover you at all.

While your No Claims Discount isn't directly affected by the conviction itself, if you cause an accident while using your phone, the resulting at-fault claim will reduce or remove your discount entirely.

Are there stricter rules for new drivers in the UK?

The same laws apply to all drivers, regardless of experience. However, the consequences are much more severe for newly qualified drivers.

If you've passed your UK driving test within the last two years, getting six or more penalty points will result in your licence being automatically revoked. Since a mobile phone offence carries six points, one conviction is enough to lose your licence.

If this happens, you'll need to:

• Apply for a new provisional licence
• Pay for and pass the theory test again
• Pay for and pass the practical driving test again

This process can take months and cost hundreds of pounds. For anyone who recently went through the effort of getting a UK driving licence or exchanging an international licence, losing it over a phone offence would be particularly frustrating.

Have UK mobile phone driving laws changed recently? What about 2026?

The most significant recent change happened in March 2022, when the government expanded the law to cover all handheld phone use, not just calls and messages.

There's been confusion online about new laws coming in 2026, particularly viral social media posts claiming GPS apps will be banned. This isn't true. The Department for Transport has confirmed there are no plans to change the current legislation regarding phone use.

What is changing is enforcement. Police forces across the UK are rolling out AI-enabled cameras that can detect phone use from above. These cameras can spot drivers holding phones even when they think they're being discreet. The footage is reviewed by human operators before any penalties are issued.

This represents a crackdown on enforcement rather than new laws. The rules remain the same, but you're more likely to get caught if you break them.

Some police forces are also using enhanced detection technology on motorways and major roads. The old trick of holding your phone low or in your lap won't work against these systems.

How to stay safe and legal with your phone

Here are practical steps to avoid temptation and stay on the right side of the law:

1. Use a proper phone mount. Invest in a quality cradle that securely holds your phone within your line of sight but doesn't obstruct your view. Dashboard or windscreen mounts work well as long as they're not in the wiper area.

2. Set everything up before you start the engine. Enter your destination, choose your playlist, and adjust any settings while safely parked. This is especially important when driving at night in the UK when distractions are more dangerous.

3. Enable "Do Not Disturb" mode. Most phones have driving modes that automatically silence calls and notifications when you're moving. Some even send automatic replies to let people know you're driving.

4. Use voice commands. Get comfortable with "Hey Siri" or "OK Google" so you can control your phone without touching it. Modern voice assistants can make calls, send messages, change music and adjust navigation.

5. Connect via Bluetooth or CarPlay. If your car supports Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, use it. These systems are designed for safe in-car use and minimise distractions.

6. Plan breaks on long journeys. If you need to check messages or make calls, plan regular stops. This also helps you avoid other expensive driving mistakes caused by fatigue.

7. Turn your phone off or put it out of reach. If you struggle with temptation, put your phone in the glove box or boot before you set off. You can't use what you can't reach.

8. Remember that hands-free isn't risk-free. Even legal phone use requires your full attention. If a call becomes complicated or stressful, end it and pull over when safe.

What happens if you're caught using your phone?

If police see you using a handheld phone, they'll stop you and issue either a fixed penalty notice or a court summons depending on the circumstances.

With a fixed penalty notice, you have 28 days to either pay the fine and accept the points, or request a court hearing to challenge it. Most people accept the penalty as successful challenges are rare.

The points are automatically recorded on your licence and your insurance company will be notified when you renew your policy. You have a legal duty to inform your insurer about any convictions, and failure to do so could invalidate your cover.

For repeat offences or cases involving accidents or dangerous driving, you'll likely face court proceedings. Courts have the power to issue larger fines, longer bans, or even custodial sentences in serious cases.

Can I use my phone for other purposes while driving?

Let's clear up some common scenarios:

Using your phone as a sat nav: Yes, but only if it's mounted in a cradle and you don't touch it while driving. Set your route before you start or use voice commands to adjust it.

Checking your phone at traffic lights: No. You're still in control of the vehicle even when stationary, so the law applies.

Using your phone in a traffic jam: No. Even if you've been stuck for hours, you can't use your handheld phone unless you're safely parked with the engine off.

Making contactless payments at drive-throughs: Yes, but only while stationary and only for immediate transactions.

Using your phone when the engine is off: Yes, as long as you're safely and legally parked. Just being stopped doesn't count as parked.

Using your phone on private property: The law still applies if you're "driving" in the legal sense, even on private land.

Frequently asked questions

Can I check my phone if I'm stopped at red lights?

No. You're still driving even when stopped at lights or in traffic. The only way to legally use your phone is to be safely parked with the engine off.

Is it illegal to hold my phone on loudspeaker?

Yes. Holding the phone in any way while driving is illegal, even if you're not touching the screen or holding it to your ear.

What if my phone is in a dashboard holder?

Phones in holders are legal to use hands-free. However, avoid touching the screen while driving as this could result in a careless driving charge.

Can I change my music while driving?

Not by touching your phone, even if it's mounted. Use voice commands or your car's controls. Physical buttons on steering wheels or built-in systems are fine.

Will I lose my licence for using my phone once?

Not necessarily, unless you're a new driver who passed their test less than two years ago. Standard drivers receive six points, and you need 12 points within three years for a ban.

Do the same rules apply to smartwatches?

Yes. Smartwatches that can send and receive data fall under the same legislation as phones. You can't use them while driving if you need to physically interact with them.

Can I film while I'm a passenger?

Yes, passengers can use phones freely. However, don't distract the driver or create dangerous situations. If you're supervising a learner driver, you're subject to the same rules as the driver.

Get the right car insurance for UK driving

Understanding mobile phone laws is just one part of driving safely in the UK. At Marshmallow, we know that car insurance for UK newcomers can feel complicated, especially when you're still learning all the rules.

We offer fully comprehensive car insurance that recognises your international driving experience.

Get a quote today and see how much you could save.

Keep learning about UK driving

Mobile phone laws are just one aspect of staying safe on UK roads. Check out these related guides:

• UK road signs: a guide for UK newcomers
• 7 UK driving etiquette rules you need to know
• What to do after a car accident
• Understanding your MOT and what to do if you fail

Safe travels!