Can I use my phone as a satnav while driving? Police answer questions on the new laws

[anonymous]

I use my mobile phone as a satnav system, it sits in a cradle with the destination programmed in before I set off. For most of the journey I have the screen turned off. Is it OK to then unlock your phone using finger print scanner to bring satnav back up after the screen has been locked?

If the mobile phone is held in a cradle then it must not be touched throughout that journey. The moment you touch or handle your mobile phone as part of your journey, then in effect an offence is being committed.

Can taxis use their systems while driving?

 

A man using his mobile phone (Photo: PA)

 

Taxi drivers are not exempt from mobile phone legislation and the rules still apply to them. If the system is on a handheld mobile phone then they should not be used.

I see plenty of police on their phones and radios while driving. Does this legislation not apply to them?

Police aren’t exempt from this legislation and will face the same consequences should they be found driving whilst using a mobile phone. Police officers are however exempt from using two-way radios as part of their operational duties.

If your car has Bluetooth, and on the steering wheel there is a button to answer the phone via Bluetooth, is this ok?

Using hands-free mobile phones whilst driving is not an offence, so this should be fine. However, research shows that you could still be distracted by using any hands-free phone system, as your attention can be diverted away from the road.

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Are phone-based sat-nav apps now illegal unless phone in a cradle?

The legislation hasn’t changed, only the penalty. You can use a phone based sat nav, but cannot touch or handle the phone.

Can I change songs on my phone at traffic lights or in traffic jams at a complete stop?

 

Drivers using their mobile phones to text and makes calls while driving; Jesmond Road Newcastle

 

No. If you are stationary at traffic lights or in a traffic jam, then you cannot touch or hold a mobile phone. You can only do this if your journey has ended.

Why are people allowed to smoke in their car - surely this is just as distracting?

Mobile phone legislation does not apply to smoking in vehicles, however, if it can be shown that a person is not in proper control of their vehicle, due to their smoking, another offence can apply.

 

I see people on their mobiles at least every day and could note their registrations. Is there any way to report this?

Unfortunately, this would not be enough evidence and we would struggle to successfully prosecute.

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If I photograph another car driver using a hand held mobile phone, can the police act on this?

The picture must be clear and must show the vehicle’s registration plate. If you’re driving a vehicle then you cannot take a photograph, any picture must be taken via dash cam footage or by a passenger in the vehicle.

Anyone with photographic evidence can call 101 to make a report.

Source:http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/can-use-phone-satnav-driving-12707634

 

[Babasanfur]

Very informative thank you