Mobile phone use while driving - fine & penalty points

[gsr600]

I heard somewhere they are adding 3 penalty points as well as �?? fine to drivers that are caught using a mobile whilst driving ( not handsfree use). when does this come into effect new year?? it's about time too, but where are the officers who will catch these people, i see many offenders but rarely see police units. sometimes in expensive or new cars etc but they seem unable to purchase a handsfree kit, thanks

[THECORBYLOON]

On the Department for Transport's site it says

"Q16. Is the offence endorsable?
No. The offence is subject to a �30 fixed penalty or maximum fine of �1000 for conviction in court (maximum of �2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles or buses/coaches.


However, we do plan to increase the penalty for the new offence by making it subject to 3 penalty points and a �60 fixed penalty. Primary legislation will be needed for this when a suitable opportunity arises to amend Schedule 2 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988. We do not have a timetable for that yet."

It seems then, there is no planned date.

[gsr600]

well done THECORBYLOON
what a shame it hasn't been given priority,
unlike the increased fuel duty -they soon put that into effect.
so all offenders are given more time to commit even more offences UNCHALLENGED !
WHAT YOU WOULD EXPECT OF THIS GOVERNMENT.
lets ban smoking instead much more important.

[Gef]

Personally I would like to see them charged with dangerous/reckless driving - whichever is more serious.

[Toureman]

You just got me thinking gsr600, perhapsCORBYLOON can tell us what the penalty is for using a mobile whilst Riding.

KLE500 :-)

[gsr600]

Hi Toureman.
it don't mention m/bikes On the Department for Transport's site,
we must be exempt then YIPEE

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[Grunty]

I agree gsr600. 83,000 deaths from smoking are more important than around 3,000 deaths on the roads each year.

[pianoman81]

heres a story about me driving while on the phone.......
i started driving about 6 years ago , had been driving for about a week after passing my test, anyway i was driving along at night, and i had my phone on me- it wasnt such a big deal back then , well it rang and i answered it...foolishly........
i was driving a citroen ax 1000cc, and as i answered the phone i was steering round a very large grassed , trees etc roundabout......... and somehow i managed to 180* the car, mount the island, go between two trees and come off the other side--- i swear this is true-- to this day i dont know what happened- i did some minor damge to the wheels, but no damage to me or the rest of the car ?? luckily it was at night so no one was around, i wasnt drunk before anyone asks , but it was ridiculous- all from answering my phone and being distracted - not very funny at the time but looking back now it would have been hilarious for any bystanders, like a scene from herbie or on the buses or something............... so any of you who use a phone while driving take note... :)