RoadPeace has welcomed an announcement from the Department for Transport (DfT) that drivers are breaking the law from today (Friday March 25) if they use a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel.

The new rules include a ban on taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists or playing games. The DfT said the  legislation ‘closes a loophole previously exploited by dangerous drivers to escape conviction’.

The law previously only applied to ‘interactive communication’ such as making calls and did not cover other uses like taking videos.

RoadPeace fully supports this overdue change in the law regarding mobile phone usage when behind the wheel.

Nick Simmons, RoadPeace CEO states: “Our members will be relieved to see this loophole finally closed and the inappropriate use of mobile phones being challenged, the consequences of which can be devastating and life changing.”

Drivers can however make contactless payments if the car is stationary and use a phone on a ‘hands-free’ setting if it is secured in a cradle, so they can use it for sat-nav.

An £800,000 DfT awareness campaign is also being launched today by THINK! to remind drivers about consequences of not abiding by the new law.

RoadPeace will be strongly supporting this campaign via our social media channels along with our members and supporters to help spread this important message.

Updated on: 25 March 2022