Do You Use Your Phone In Traffic? Don’t do it.

David Leach is a member of our Criminal Department. He specialises in Criminal Matters, Claims Against the Police and Road Traffic Offences.

Recently, David has advised a client convicted whilst unrepresented of using a mobile telephone whilst driving. David explains “It is illegal to hold a phone or sat nav while driving. You must have hands-free access and the device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead. It is imperative that you must stay in full control of your vehicle at all times.”

“My client was queuing in traffic. This is sufficient for the offence to be committed. As is supervising a learner driver or waiting at traffic lights. You can only use a hand-held phone if either you are safely parked or you need to call 999 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.”

“The penalties can have a real effect on clients. You can get 6 penalty points and a £200 fine if you use a hand-held phone when driving. You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 2 year. You can also be taken to court where you can be banned from driving and fined.

If you require any assistance, you can contact Mr Leach on 01282 433 241
at our Burnley Office.