Nottinghamshire Police have warned motorists they could face a £200 fine and six penalty points for using their mobile phones as sat-navs incorrectly, following a crackdown on the M1 motorway.
During a five-day operation between October 12 and 16, police pulled over 101 drivers for a range of offences. Of those, 46 were dealt with for using their mobile phones, whether that was making calls, texting, checking directions or interacting with other apps.
Operation details
Four of the motorists involved were driving heavy goods vehicles. Officers spotted the drivers from an unmarked lorry being used as part of a planned roads policing operation.
According to the force, many of those caught were using maps and navigation apps, either while holding their phones or with the devices secured in cradles. Under UK law, drivers caught holding and using a mobile phone behind the wheel can receive a £200 fine and six penalty points.
Legal warning
However, motorists can also face prosecution if they become distracted while interacting with a phone that is mounted in their vehicle. This could include offences such as driving without due care and attention.
Sergeant Jim Carrington, of Nottinghamshire Police's Roads Policing Team, said: "The good news is that more and more drivers now understand that holding a mobile phone at the wheel is not acceptable."
He added: "The bad news is that there are clearly others out there who think they can interact with a device held in a secure mount."
Guidance for drivers
The officer explained that searching for an address or changing routes while driving means motorists are not giving the road their full attention. And the warning doesn't just apply to sat-navs. Drivers scrolling through music or skipping adverts on podcasts could also find themselves in trouble if it affects their driving.
Sgt Carrington said: "Both actions may seem innocuous, but they can each have catastrophic consequences for you and other road users."
Government guidance states that motorists can use a phone hands-free, including through a dashboard holder, windscreen mount or voice commands, provided they remain in full control of their vehicle. The device must also not block their view of the road. The rules still apply when drivers are stopped at traffic lights or sitting in traffic.
Police are urging motorists to set their destination before setting off and avoid touching their phones during journeys. Sgt Carrington warned: "At best, those consequences could be a fine and points on your licence; at worst, they could lead to a lengthy prison sentence."
