Driving Offence Solicitors
Call Freephone 0800 1389 123 Driving Offence Solicitors
request a call back from our driving offence solicitors

MOBILE PHONE OFFENCE

Geoffrey Miller Solicitors are specialist Mobile Phone Offence Solicitors. Call our team of expert motoring solicitors for some free initial advice.

mobile phone driving offence

2019 Update To The Law On Mobile Phone Offence

view the sentencing council guidelines

View Sentencing Council Guidelines Mobile Phone Offence penalty for using a hand held mobile phone while driving

The use of any hand held mobile phone or similar handheld interactive communication device while driving is prohibited and attracts 6 penalty points and a fine the level of which will depend on whether or not you were driving a vehicle intending to carry 8 or more passengers at the time of the mobile phone offence. The offence was first introduced pursuant to The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) (Amendment) (No 4) Regulations 2003 that came into force on 1 December 2003. These Regulations amend the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, by inserting Regulation 110 into the constructions and use regulations.

Regulation 110(1) and (2) prohibits a person from driving, or causing or permitting a person to drive, a motor vehicle on a road if the driver is using a held-hand mobile telephone or a hand-held device. Regulation 110(3) prohibits a person from using a hand-held mobile telephone or hand-held device while supervising a holder of a provisional license (learner driver), whilst the learner is driving.

It is an offence under Section 41D(b) of the Road Traffic Act 1988 to contravene Regulation 110.

Although the offence of driving whilst using a mobile phone can be made out even when the quality of your driving is not in issue, the legislation drafted to implement these laws has been widely criticised for ambiguity over what is and is not an offence.

A mobile phone can be used whilst driving in conjunction with a ‘hands free’ kit provided that the phone can be operated without holding it. Hands free kits that require you to take your hand off the wheel to operate it are not considered legal and you could be prosecuted even where you have been using a hands free device so be warned!

The law does not only apply to mobile phones, but also applies to any similar device that is hand held such as a tablet device and other computer equipment.

Call Us Now on Freephone

0800 1389 123

Or
Request A Call Back

Fill in your name and telephone number and we will call you back.
Rest assured all data transferred on Motoroffence.co.uk is secured using a trusted SSL Certificate.

Please note we only deal with motoring cases in England and Wales and are unable to assist with cases in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

2019 Development

Up until 31 July 2019, the only permissible defence to the above law was if a person uses a hand held mobile phone to contact emergency services (999 or 112) in a genuine emergency and when it is impracticable to stop. At all other times (even while sat in a traffic jam) an offence will be committed if using an interactive communication device while driving. This remains the only defence to the offence but we see many motorists who want to fight the prosecution they face because they do not consider the offence itself to have been made out. The main issues that are frequently open to interpretation being what is “use” and what is “interactive communication?”

The development in the law surrounding mobile phone use while driving follows a High Court appeal case  published on 31 July 2019. The case involved a motorist seen by police filming an accident scene as he drove past it. He was using the camera on his mobile phone to do so. The case centred around whether any mobile phone use was committing an offence or whether the use must involve use of the device for the purposes of interactive communication.

The High Court case followed another Crown Court decision (R v Nader Eldarf (21st and 23rd September 2018) where the interpretation of the phrase “interactive communication” was considered and found in a motorist’s favour where the reported use of the device was simply to change the track of an already downloaded playlist on a phone. In other words where the device was being used for a non-interactive purpose.

The High Court was asked to consider the following questions about the decision to allow the appeal in the lower court. This was so as to not only provide clarification for the individual motorist but so that there was much needed clarity for all over what constitutes an offence:

  1. Is using a hand-held mobile telephone or device for the purposes of Section 41D of the Act and Regulation 110 of the regulations restricted only to the use of an interactive communication function such as those set out in Regulation 110(6)(c) of the regulations?
  2. Is holding a mobile telephone or device whilst driving, in order to take a photograph or a film, capable of amounting to using a hand-held mobile telephone or device for the purposes of Section 41D of the Act and Regulation 110 of the regulations?
  3. Were we correct to conclude that the Respondent’s conduct did not amount to “using” a hand-held mobile telephone or device for the purposes of Section 41D of the Act and Regulation 110 of the regulations?”

The case highlighted the rapid development of technological advancement since the first introduction of the mobile phone offence, with this discussion being particularly interesting:

DISCUSSION

Mobile Phone

23. The regulations contain no definition of “mobile phone”. At the time they came into force an increasing number of motorists were holding them while driving to make and receive telephone calls and to send and receive texts. It was to that mischief that the regulations were directed.

24. Most mobile phones also had games functions but it is not apparent that there was at that time any concern about people playing games on their phones while driving. Only a very few phones had cameras and the ability to connect to the internet.

25. 16 years later hand-held mobile phones, whether held in the hand or operated handsfree, can perform multiple electronic functions, including taking photographs, making calculations, downloading and using multiple applications in addition to facilitating many forms of communication using wireless and other networks to connect to the internet. They can also be used to make and receive calls and to send and receive texts.

26. The Oxford English Dictionary definition of mobile phone is “a telephone with access to a cellular radio system so it can be used over a wide area without a physical connection to a network.” The definition of “smartphone” is “a mobile phone that performs many of the functions of a computer, typically having a touchscreen interface, internet access and an operating system capable of running downloaded apps.” In ordinary conversation the description mobile phone includes a smartphone, like the one used in this case.

27. There is no reason of construction to attribute to the words mobile phone in the regulation a meaning other than the one in every day use. Mobile phone includes smartphone.”

The High Court went on to consider what “Use” can be construed as:

“Regulation 110 sets out the construction and use requirement:

“(1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a road if he is using – (a) a hand-held mobile telephone; or (b) a hand-held device of a kind specified in paragraph (4)”

32. In specifying the kind of device use of which is prohibited by the regulation paragraph 4 uses the language of definition: “(4) A device referred to in paragraph …(1)(b)… is a device, other than a two-way radio which performs an interactive communication function by transmitting and receiving data. ”

33. It is plain from the context that “performs” means “is being used/is used to perform”. As a matter of construction it is the use of a device for the performance of an interactive communication function which brings it within the definition of “a device referred to in paragraph (1)(b)” 34. Pagers, the use of which was common at the time the legislation was passed, come within the definition at paragraph 4. More recent devices e.g. iPads and other tablets can “perform an interactive communication function by transmitting and receiving data”. Many of them can be used to make telephone calls through web-based applications. Like many mobile phones, they have software which enables the performance of many functions other than and in addition to interactive communication functions. The use of the non-communication functions does not bring the device within the definition in paragraph (1)(b).

35. Hand-held devices which have no interactive communication function are not included in the definition. Thus, if while driving, a person takes photographs or films on an ordinary digital camera he is not in breach of the regulation. The same applies if he uses a hand-held Satnav. Such conduct may well be cogent evidence of careless or even dangerous driving for which the driver would be liable to prosecution.

36. The same applies to iPads and other tablets; if while driving, a person takes photographs on his iPad, he is not using the iPad to perform an interactive communication function. That is not use of a device within paragraph (1)(b).

37. Accordingly, the meaning of the word “using” in Section 41D and Regulation 110 is restricted in respect of hand-held devices to using the interactive communication function of the device”

Further debate centred around whether all mobile phone functions while driving were to be classed as an offence or whether the regulations limited the offence to being committed if a device was hand-held. The High Court was clear that the device must be held for the offence to be made out.

Hand-Held

The legislation does not prohibit all use of a mobile phone held while driving. It prohibits driving while using a mobile phone or other device for calls and other interactive communication (and holding it at some stage during that process).

But they went on to say that some activity when conducted when the device is held but when the interactive communication aspect does not happen simultaneously would still amount to an offence:

Whilst it is not necessary for the purposes of this case to decide this point there is an argument that sending and receiving messages includes the drafting or recording of the messages and the reading of them and not just the nanosecond of the transmitting or receipt of data. Without the data there is nothing to communicate. In the non-digital world interactive communication is not restricted to the posting of the letter, its sorting and its delivery. Without the writing and reading of the letter there is no communication. In the digital sphere each aspect of the drafting, sending and reading/viewing/replying is an intrinsic part of using a device which performs interactive communication as defined.

Despite this case being a landmark victory for Mr Barretto, the motorist who filmed from behind the wheel of his car, the High Court made it clear that this decision was not to mean that drivers using their devices for non-interactive purposes could do so without consequence and in her final conclusions Lady Justice Thirlwall warned:

“It should not be thought that this is a green light for people to make films as they drive. As I have already said, driving while filming events or taking photographs whether with a separate camera or with the camera on a phone, may be cogent evidence of careless driving, and possibly of dangerous driving. It is criminal conduct which may be prosecuted and on conviction may result in the imposition of penalties significantly more serious than those which flow from breach of the regulations. The same applies to any other use of the phone while driving.”Lady Justice Thirlwall

In our view this is likely to lead to the police choosing to prosecute for more serious offences where there is some question that there was interactive communication taking place.

Mobile Phone Defences

The main defence we have successfully presented in relation to the mobile phone offence is to raise evidence that our client was not “using” the phone for the purpose of communication. So, for example, if you have your mobile phone in your hand but you are using the dictaphone function of the phone, this is not considered to be communicating with a third party and so should result in your acquittal being secured.

However, if you are typing or reading texts or talking on your phone, there are no technical loopholes that could assist in securing your acquittal.

If you were genuinely not using your phone, we are likely to suggest that you give evidence of your account of why the police stopped you and we would also make an application to your phone network for your phone records to be disclosed that can prove all incoming and outgoing calls being made on your phone at the time of being stopped by the police. It helps if you have no previous convictions if we are to run this kind of defence as your credibility as a witness will be key to whether the Magistrates accept your account, particularly over the word of an officer of the law.

Check out Jeanette Miller aka Miss Justice talking on BBC Breakfast about the mobile phone offence and penalties in August 2012.

Why Do So Many Drivers Still Use Their Phones While Driving?
Not Sure What to Do About Your Mobile Phone Offence?

Most people who get in touch with our team of motor offence expert solicitors are uncertain of their options. They are unaware of any legal defences that may be available and find it difficult to believe that it might be possible to defend the drink driving offence charge they face by using loopholes that apply to the rich and famous! We do represent celebrities but we also represent many hardworking motorists like Brian and we want to help you make the right choice about what you do next.

We are always more than happy to chat things through with potential clients Free of Charge. Call us now on Freephone 0800 1389 123 to speak to one of our specialist motoring offence solicitors. It is only once you decide to instruct us that payment will become necessary and we can often arrange installment plans to assist you. Many satisfied clients have thanked us for offering this free consultation service as it has prevented them from following inaccurate non-expert advice which could have led to them accepting a driving ban unnecessarily.

If you would like to spend more time browsing on the site before you get in touch, make sure you have a look at our specialist motor offence guidance features such as our drink driving penalties calculator which will help you to determine the penalty you may face if convicted and our money saving calculator which helps to outline some of the hidden costs of accepting a conviction.

We think we are simply the best in the business but if you are not satisfied in taking our word for it, our unique “ask our clients” testimonials scheme allows you to contact previous clients of the firm to seek a completely independent reference about us and what we might be able to do for you.

Call Us Now Free on 0800 1389 123

Call Geoffrey Miller Solicitors 24 hours 7 days a week

Geoffrey Miller Solicitors are specialists defending drivers nationwide for all types of driving offences. Call our team of expert driving offence solicitors for some free initial advice.

You can also book an appointment with Jeanette Miller a.k.a. Miss Justice using our online booking system. If Jeanette is unavailable for your preferred date and time you can book an appointment with a member of our legal team. Please have as much information about your enquiry before the call e.g. Date of Hearing, Paperwork etc.

FINANCE AVAILABLE

Get The Help You Need – Instant Decision

To help you purchase from Geoffrey Miller Solicitors, we have partnered with Kandoo, a regulated credit broker to offer all our customers a range of highly flexible finance options. Kandoo is a comparison service that searches to find you the best Personal Loan option that’s right for you.

Powered By
Finance Available

Learn more about our

Finance Options

ASK OUR CLIENTS

Still not sure if you should instruct us to help you?

Try our Interactive Testimonial Scheme - “Ref Me” is a voluntary scheme we ask satisfied clients to participate in. Where you see the “Ask Our Clients” form, you can send an email to a previous client of the firm and ask them any question(s) you like about us.

Ask Now

Do You Want To Feel Like Brian?

Speeding Solicitors

Take a look at this live footage taken from ITV’s documentary "Driving Me Crazy" showing our client, Brian Wiltshire walking out of Preston Crown Court after securing a victory in appeal against a speeding conviction. This could be you…

CALCULATOR TOOLS

Use our calculator tools to find out what motoring offence penalties or financial costs you could be facing if convicted.

Try It Now

PRICING STRUCTURES

We have developed a number of pricing structures to suit clients on most income levels. To some clients minimising the level of their legal costs is as important as achieving your objective with an acquittal or damage limitation on penalty…

View Pricing

Geoffrey Miller Solicitors is a trading name of Jeanette Miller Law Limited, a Limited Company Registered in England and Wales. Company No: 8214795.
Registered Office: Riverside House Kings Reach Business Park, Yew Street, Stockport, United Kingdom, SK4 2HD.
Authorised and Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority No: 573314 VAT No:162576593.
Managing Director: Jeanette S. Miller Legal Director: Tara Boyle. View our Website Terms of Use, Privacy and Cookies policy, Accessibility Policy, Personal Indemnity Insurance Policy, Sitemap.
Please note that our calls may be recorded for training and/or contractual purposes.

Geoffrey Miller Solicitors
geoffrey miller solicitors motoring law experts
CALL NOW 7 DAYS A WEEK FREEPHONE 0800 1389 123