Nottinghamshire Police have clarified the rules on using Google Maps while driving after a major operation on the M1 led to more than 100 drivers being stopped. Of the 101 motorists pulled over, 46 were penalised for calling, texting, navigating or otherwise using their mobile phones while driving.
What the law says about phones at the wheel
According to the UK Government, it is illegal to hold and use a phone, satnav, tablet or any device that can send or receive data while driving. This includes when you are stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, supervising a learner driver, driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving, or holding and using a device that is offline or in flight mode.
There are a few exceptions. You may use a device if you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it is unsafe or impractical to stop, if you are safely parked, if you are making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving (for example at a drive-through restaurant), or if you are using the device to park your vehicle remotely.
Hands-free devices such as a Bluetooth headset, voice command or windscreen mount are permitted, provided you do not touch the device at any point and it does not obstruct your view of the road ahead.
Penalties for touching a mounted phone
Nottinghamshire Police warned that anyone seen touching or holding their phone while driving is liable for six penalty points and a £200 fine, according to Birmingham Live. Even if the phone is securely mounted, drivers can still face prosecution for other offences, such as driving without due care and attention.
The M1 operation, carried out by the crew of an unmarked HGV during a routine pre-planned operation between October 12 and 16, identified the offending drivers on the motorway.
Police warning over device interaction
Sergeant Jim Carrington, of the 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. As several drivers have just found out to their cost, that is simply not the case, because if you are searching for an address or looking for an alternative route, you are not paying proper attention to the road in front of you."
Carrington also warned that searching for a song or skipping adverts in a podcast can have "catastrophic consequences for you and other road users." He urged drivers to consider their habits, noting that at best the consequences could be a fine and points on a licence, and at worst a lengthy prison sentence.
