England football fans could be hit with expensive four-figure fines tonight as Harry Kane and the squad kick off their 2026 World Cup campaign. Motorists have been warned that checking the score of tonight's opening game against Croatia on a phone or tablet could be enough to land them in hot water with staggering fines.
Hefty Penalties for Phone Use While Driving
Drivers need to give the road their full attention, with touching a phone banned and against the rules. Even flicking through a device for a few seconds to keep up to date with the results could see road users fined up to £200. In some severe cases, road users could be slapped with a £1,000 or even a £2,500 bill.
Paul Gorry, vehicle expert at luxury motorhome manufacturer Auto-Trail, explained: "Checking a score, message or filming may feel like a harmless action, but it's illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or similar device while driving and drivers caught doing this can receive six penalty points and a £200 fine.
"In serious cases, drivers can also be taken to court, where they could face a maximum fine of £1,000, or £2,500 if they are driving a lorry or bus. They can also receive three penalty points if they do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead, or proper control of the vehicle."
Safe Alternatives to Stay Updated
Motorists desperate to see how Harry Kane and Thomas Tuchel got their World Cup campaign underway in Dallas should look elsewhere. Instead of touching a phone, dialling into the radio commentary and waiting for score updates is absolutely fine.
Paul has also urged road users to consider the risks of speeding just before 9pm, as they rush home to catch the start of the game. Those pressing down on the throttle in a desperate bid to make the start of the match could miss more if they are forced to stop after being caught speeding.
Paul said: "Speeding for kick-off or to reach the pub before the first whistle puts everyone around the driver at risk. The minimum penalty for speeding is a £100 fine and three penalty points, but the consequences can become much more serious if drivers already have points on their licence.
"Drivers can be disqualified if they build up 12 or more penalty points within three years, so rushing for a match is never worth risking your licence."
