Switch off before you drive off

It is now a specific offence to use a hand-held phone or similar device when driving. There is a £60 fixed penalty or up to £1,000 on conviction in court (£2,500 for drivers of goods vehicles, buses or coaches). Drivers still risk prosecution for failure to have proper control of their vehicle if they use hands-free phones when driving.

If you drive carelessly or dangerously when using any phone, the penalties can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years' imprisonment.

Phones in cars can have many benefits. They provide security and help in an emergency. However, they are distracting if used when driving and this increases the risk of a crash. It is hard to do two things at once and to drive safely, you must concentrate on the road.

You must pull over to a safe location.

For more information, please contact the Road Safety Team using the details below or check out the Department for Transport press release: (www.gnn.gov.uk/environment/fullDetail.asp?ReleaseID=258357&NewsAreaID=2&NavigatedFromDepartment=False)