Young drivers risk losing their licence if caught driving whilst using their mobile phone.



The warning comes ahead of new legislation taking affect in March 2017 which will mean a six-point penalty and £200 fine for anyone caught using their phone whilst driving.

A newly-qualified driver will have their license revoked if they accrue six points in the first two years after passing their test.



Superintendent Matt Kennerley said: “Remember that joyous feeling when you passed your test? Now imagine the feeling when you lose your license…for a text message.

“The fact is, taking your eyes off the road - for even a moment - to send that message has the potential for tragedy. That’s why the punishment has increased, in an effort to make the roads safer for us all.

“All drivers but especially young, newly-qualified drivers need to be aware of the changes to the legislation and need to heed the message.

“Using your mobile phone whilst driving could cost you your life if it leads to a crash. If you’re one of the lucky ones and we get to you first, it could now cost you your licence.”

Using your mobile phone whilst driving or whilst sat in the car with your engine running has been illegal since December 2003.

The new legislation increasing the punishment for mobile phone use whilst driving will come into effect on 1 March 2017.

Supt Kennerley said: “Using your mobile phone has been not only illegal but socially unacceptable for many years.

“This new legislation will mean the punishment will double – six points and a £200 fine.

“There is no excuse for reaching for your phone. It is simply not worth it.”

It is illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device while driving or riding a motorcycle.

This includes using your mobile phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.

You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.

You must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times. Officers can stop you if they think you are not in control because you are distracted. This includes if you are using devices like your sat nav or car radio.

It’s also illegal to use a hand-held phone or similar device when supervising a learner driver or rider.

Is this report correct?

It says in the headline and at the start that "using their phone whilst driving" will result in drivers suffering severe penalties.

But at the end it starts talking about handheld phones. So shouldn't it be clear about the legal position on hands free phones?

Incidentally, anybody who thinks it's safe to drive while using a hands free mobile is seriously mistaken - see, for example http://www.sussex.ac.uk/broadcast/read/35831