Penalties for using mobile phones while driving to be increased next year
The Government has announced changes to penalties for using hand-held mobile phones while driving. The new sanctions will apply in England, Scotland and Wales but not Northern Ireland (where the offence attracts three penalty points and a fine of £60). Legislation will now be drafted and the changes are expected to come into effect next year as follows.
• Drivers caught using a mobile phone for the first time will automatically receive six penalty points
• There will not be the option for new drivers (including those driving an HGV) to take a driving course instead of the points and fine.
• Fines for offences will increase from £100 to £200 and penalty points from three to six (for drivers of all classes of the vehicle)
Read the Government’s report on the changes here – https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/565099/hand-held-mobile-phone-driving-consultation-response.pdfe.
Source FTA
