Can I be fined for taking a photo or video while driving?

USING a mobile phone while driving is a serious offence on UK roads.

Many drivers would still use their phones at the wheel to take photos or videos but is that allowed?

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Can I use my phone while driving?

Changes to the Highway Code coming into effect on Saturday 29, 2022 will make using a mobile phone, under any circumstance, while driving illegal.

Even if you have stopped at a red light or are queuing in traffic, you should not be using your phone.

This also means drivers aren’t allowed to use their photos to take photos or videos while driving.

Even scrolling through a playlist while driving is a big no.

If you do need to use your phone for any reason, wait until safety parked before doing so.

These rules also apply to motorcyclists.

Can I be fined?

If you are caught using your phone while driving, you will be subject to a penalty.

You can get six points added to your licence and a £200 fine.

If you have passed your driving test in the past two years, you’ll lose your licence.

On top of this, you can also gain three points on your licence if you don’t have a proper view of the road ahead or don’t have proper control of your vehicle.

In some cases, drivers may get summoned to court where they can get a maximum fine of £1,000, £2,500 if you were driving a lorry or bus, and the possibility of being banned from driving.

Can I still use my phone hands-free?

Drivers can still use their phones hands-free, as long as they don’t need to touch their phone or press any buttons.

If you need to use your phone for a sat-nav, set it up before you start to drive.

Make that if you are using a sat-nav, it isn’t obstructing your view of the road as that can also land you with a £100 fine and six points on your licence.

Using your mobile phone as contactless payment at drive-throughs and at a road toll are allowed but the car must be stationary while using the payment method and the phone must be put away before driving off.