New law for using a mobile phone and driving

February 2007 saw a new law brought out that penalised the many drivers that were using mobile phones whilst driving.

This act seemed to have no affect and until this day, there were drivers who continually used their phones whilst moving in their vehicle. According to a national report, it found that 40% of the drivers that were ‘dialling and driving’ were doing so illegally with out the use of a hands free device.

From Monday 18th of August 2008, there will be an act that will constitute causing death by careless driving.

If a driver causes death or injury through distractions such as being on the phone, texting, applying makeup, reading a map, adjusting a sat navigation device, eating, drinking or tuning a car stereo they will be penalised harshly.

The ministry has also stated that drivers who have even a moment’s distraction can make the difference between life and death.

Formerly a £5000 fine and points on the driving licence were issued as a maximum punishment, with the new law, a driver who commits this kind of offence will attain a higher fine, more points and could receive a prison sentence of up to 5 years!