Motorists could have their driving licence taken away for making a crucial mistake while sitting stationary at traffic lights, according to experts. Breakdown and road safety organisation GEM Motoring Assist has reminded drivers of updated mobile phone laws, with stricter rules now in place.
Motorists can no longer use their device for almost any reason, with road users at risk of being penalised for scrolling a playlist, programming their satnav, taking photos or checking notifications.
Stricter rules at traffic lights
Sitting stationary, such as waiting at traffic lights or in a queue, is no excuse, with road users still at risk of being hit with penalties.
Using a phone while behind the wheel puts road users at risk of a £200 fine and up to six penalty points on their driving licence. It's enough for brand new drivers to have their licence automatically revoked within two years of passing a test.
However, more experienced drivers could also be at risk, with six points likely enough to tip road users over the 12-point threshold for a ban.
Expert warning on phone use
GEM head of road safety James Luckhurst said: “Too many drivers still believe that checking a message at the lights, changing a playlist in slow-moving traffic or nudging a satnav when they’re in a queue is somehow different from using a phone on the move. It isn’t; the law is clear that if you are driving, and you have a phone in your hand for pretty much any reason, you’re committing an offence.”
Data shows that mobile phone use was found to be a contributory factor in 32 fatal road accident collisions in Great Britain in 2025.
Safety advice for drivers
GEM Motoring Assist is now urging all drivers to treat mobile devices as off-limits while behind the wheel or use safer alternatives such as updating navigation and music before setting off. The group also said that there is a strong case for considering a wider deployment of enforcement cameras at traffic lights.
James added: “Modern enforcement technology means there’s now a much greater chance of being caught, even if you think no one is watching. But more important than the fine or the points is the risk that a moment’s distraction could cost someone their life.
“So our message is simple: set it before you set off, or pull over in a safe place and switch off the engine before you touch your phone.”
