Proposed Law Changes in Mobile Phone Use While Driving
The Government announced on the 17th October the next steps in closing the legislation loophole concerning usage of mobile phones while driving. The new government plans revealed by Roads Minister Baroness Vere will mean drivers using a mobile phone in all circumstances while driving will be breaking the law.
Currently, it is a criminal offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to call or text while driving, but not for other actions that are not deemed as ‘interactive communications’ such as taking photos. Therefore, drivers using their mobile phones in ways that are not ‘interactive communications’ have escaped punishment, despite the fact these actions can also be distracting.
Note Ministers have rejected calls to ban hands-free functions such as using a sat-nav fixed in a cradle. Under the proposed new rules there will be an exemption for contactless payments, if a vehicle is stationary, and if goods or services are delivered immediately.
The changes to the law will mean police can take immediate action if they see a driver holding and using their mobile phone while driving. The penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving are 6 penalty points and a £200 fine.
Currently, it is a criminal offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to call or text while driving, but not for other actions that are not deemed as ‘interactive communications’ such as taking photos. Therefore, drivers using their mobile phones in ways that are not ‘interactive communications’ have escaped punishment, despite the fact these actions can also be distracting.
Note Ministers have rejected calls to ban hands-free functions such as using a sat-nav fixed in a cradle. Under the proposed new rules there will be an exemption for contactless payments, if a vehicle is stationary, and if goods or services are delivered immediately.
The changes to the law will mean police can take immediate action if they see a driver holding and using their mobile phone while driving. The penalties for using a hand-held mobile phone while driving are 6 penalty points and a £200 fine.
In November 2019, we launched this innovative offering for clients seeking access to advice for an agreed annual fee.
This is an alternative to our standard retainer system and offers clients an opportunity to obtain advice where the cost is pre-determined for the whole year. This arrangement would suit clients who may from time to time need to seek legal advice but may hold off preferring a ‘wait and see’ approach.
In our experience, early intervention can reduce the risk of the situation escalating as we can give advice and guidance that nips regulatory issues in the bud before they develop into something far worse. We also strongly recommend our clients consider taking out legal expenses insurance to cover investigations and prosecutions brought by regulators.
DyneProtect© has teamed up with Butcher & Barlow solicitors to provide DyneProtect© clients access to a specialist team of corporate and commercial lawyers for up to 1 hours’ worth of free telephone advice/legal consultation.
Butcher & Barlow have a dedicated commercial and agricultural hub on Gadbrook Park in Northwich which provides advice and assistance to a host of business clients in specialist areas such as Corporate and Commercial Law, Commercial Property, Private Client and Agriculture.
If you have a corporate or commercial issue which Dyne Solicitors is unable to handle, then Butcher & Barlow’s Commercial team will certainly be able to step in and assist.
DyneProtect© has also negotiated price reductions on OLAT / Driver CPC courses run by training providers KP Legal Limited who are offering discounts to DyneProtect© clients on Operator Licensing Awareness / Compliance training (-20%) and Periodic Driver CPC training (-10%).
This is an alternative to our standard retainer system and offers clients an opportunity to obtain advice where the cost is pre-determined for the whole year. This arrangement would suit clients who may from time to time need to seek legal advice but may hold off preferring a ‘wait and see’ approach.
In our experience, early intervention can reduce the risk of the situation escalating as we can give advice and guidance that nips regulatory issues in the bud before they develop into something far worse. We also strongly recommend our clients consider taking out legal expenses insurance to cover investigations and prosecutions brought by regulators.
DyneProtect© has teamed up with Butcher & Barlow solicitors to provide DyneProtect© clients access to a specialist team of corporate and commercial lawyers for up to 1 hours’ worth of free telephone advice/legal consultation.
Butcher & Barlow have a dedicated commercial and agricultural hub on Gadbrook Park in Northwich which provides advice and assistance to a host of business clients in specialist areas such as Corporate and Commercial Law, Commercial Property, Private Client and Agriculture.
If you have a corporate or commercial issue which Dyne Solicitors is unable to handle, then Butcher & Barlow’s Commercial team will certainly be able to step in and assist.
DyneProtect© has also negotiated price reductions on OLAT / Driver CPC courses run by training providers KP Legal Limited who are offering discounts to DyneProtect© clients on Operator Licensing Awareness / Compliance training (-20%) and Periodic Driver CPC training (-10%).
