Government to Close Legal Driving Loophole

The Government is set to close a legal loophole and ban any use of mobile phone technology while driving a vehicle.

Previously, and perhaps not a well-known fact, a driver could avoid punishment for using their mobile device while driving if they were taking a photo or playing a game as these were classed as not being ‘interactive telecommunication’.

However, once the new ruling comes into force, any form of usage will be banned, allowing police to impose immediate sanctions on those they spot using their phones for any purpose while driving.

Currently-banned use of a mobile phone can result in six points on your licence and a monetary fine.

Roads minister Baroness Vere said in the Guardian; “Our roads are some of the safest in the World, but we want to make sure they’re safer still by bringing the law into the 21st century.

“That’s why we’re looking to strengthen the law to make using a hand-held phone while driving illegal in a wider range of circumstances. It’s distracting and dangerous, and for too long risky drivers have been able to escape punishment, but this update will mean those doing the wrong thing will face the full force of the law.”

Drivers will still be able to use their phones as methods of payment at drive-through businesses.

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