Mobile Phone Use As A Driver

[daisya]

I know the rules regarding using a hand held phone when driving etc but does anyone know if the law is broken by the driver in a car who is in a long standstill traffic jam taking a photograph on a mobile phone?

[New Judge]

https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

"The rules are the same if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic."

[daisya]

Thank you for that NJ - it's not me thank goodness but I know someone who did so...and not sure they are aware of this...ouch. Thanks again.

[ChillDoubt]

What does amaze me is the amount of people who stop and park in the most ridiculous spot, believing they're being a good citizen in stopping and activating their hazard warning lights before taking the call.
Blind bends, junctions and entrances being the main three.

[FredPuli43]

No, it isn't. Jimmy Carr , the comedian, was acquitted of using the phone when driving because, according to his evidence, he was using it as a 'dictaphone' to record thoughts on scripts. When this topic came up before on AB, we researched the law and discovered that the law was worded to forbid the use of telephonic devices only and using the phone as, for example, a camera , was no more illegal than using a camera was.

Of course, if you use a camera when driving you may be committing an offence in that you may not have proper control of the vehicle.

[SirOracle]

If you are in a long standstill traffic jam why not simply get out of your car to take the photograph ?

[hc4361]

I don't think you are allowed to abandon your vehicle on the highway, SirOracle.

You certainly can't get out of your car on a motorway.

[bookbinder]

You are not allowed to use a mobile phone whilst your engine is running, whether you are moving or stationary.
http://think.direct.gov.uk/mobile-phones.html

[daisya]

Didn't think it would cover "in a car park", especially if it's on private property! (As per bookbinders link). What about being in a traffic jam with engine off but sitting in the driving seat?

[Toureman]

Yes, unless your car is stationary with the engine switched off..............

http://www.lawontheweb.co.uk/Road_Traffic_Law/Mobile_Phones_and_Driving

[BRIGHT SPARK]

...unless you pay your lawyer £2K per hour it seems !!