The Law About Hands-Free When Driving

A woman was jailed for three years after hitting and killing a motorcyclist while making a hands-free call. She was travelling on the wrong side of the road before colliding head-on with the motorcyclist.

The driver of the car was convicted of dangerous driving after prosecutors argued that she was distracted while driving. She was also given a four-year driving ban.

Lincoln Crown Court heard the motorist was in mid-conversation on a long call with her friend when she veered across the road and hit the 26-year-old man on 7th November, 2016. She denied that she had been distracted after claiming she had hit a pothole, which had caused her to lose control – but police found no evidence to support this.

It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. This includes using your phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This also applies if you are waiting at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. It is also illegal to use a mobile phone while supervising a learner driver.

While using hands-free is not illegal, it can cause a distraction and affect your ability to drive safely, meaning you can still be prosecuted. Research reveals that drivers are nine times more likely to be involved in a collision while using hands-free phones at the wheel.

Safe driving from Britannia!