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Highway Code rule change could see drivers be fined £200 in traffic jams and drive-thrus
‘Being sat in a traffic jam or waiting at the lights is not an excuse, we want people to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road’
A rule change to the Highway Code could see drivers face fines of up to £200 in traffic jams and drive-thrus.
On March 25th, tougher laws are set to be brought in to cover the use of mobile phones and electronic devices while behind the wheel, such as the act of unlocking your device or accessing any application on your phone.
This means that motorists using their phones while sitting in a drive-thru or traffic queue could receive a £200 fine or six points, while some could be subject to even tougher rules in the future.
The current law bans drivers from making calls and texting while driving, but the changes on March 25th will cover most scenarios including accessing the internet or taking photos.
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However, the AA has claimed that drivers will be able to use their phones to make contactless payments at drive-thrus.
On the new rules being brought in next month, the AA’s president Edmund King said: “The AA has long campaigned to toughen up these rules, and we welcome this announcement.
Read More: Drivers warned of ‘confusing and dangerous’ Highway Code rule change that comes in next month
“This is a much needed upgrade of the law to help make our roads safer. Mobile phones offer many distractions and this sends a clear message that picking them up to use them will not be tolerated.
“The law will also become tougher as the use of smartwatches, tablets and laptops behind the wheel will apply.
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“Drivers will be extremely limited on when they can pick up their phone, mainly to call the emergency services when there was no opportunity to safely pull over and to make contactless payments at drive-thrus.
“Being sat in a traffic jam or waiting at the lights is not an excuse, we want people to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.”
This comes after the Highway Code introduced a new rule that will fine drivers and passengers as much as £1,000 if they open their car door incorrectly.
If someone injures a cyclist or pedestrian by opening their door without checking, they could face a fine of up to £1,000, though no penalty points can be added to the offender’s licence.