Using a Mobile Phone While Driving: What You Need to Know
It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
Using a phone as a driver takes all your attention off driving so you’re putting yourself and the lives of other people in danger! Even if you are a careful driver, you can easily get distracted by a phone call or text message and you could have a crash.
What to Do Instead of Using Your Phone
1: Turn OFF your mobile phone, or put it on silent before starting your journey.
2: Use your voicemail on your phone, people can leave a message for you to contact them.
3: If needed, you can stop regularly (in a safe place) throughout your journey and check your calls and messages.
Penalties for Using a Mobile While Driving in NI
If the Police charge you with a mobile phone offence while driving, you will get a fixed notice of £200. If you pay the fixed notice you will get 6 penalty points.
If your case goes to court, you may face disqualification on top of a maximum fine of £1,000. Drivers of buses and goods vehicles face a maximum fine of £2,500.
You are four times more likely to have a crash when you’re on a mobile phone!
2023 Mobile Phone Driving Offence Stats in Northern Ireland
According to the 2023 Annual Report on Motoring Offence Statistics by the PSNI, the number of individuals caught driving while using their mobile phones decreased by 27% from 1,777 in 2022 to 1,298 in 2023. Among those caught, 1,058 were male and 240 were female. The highest number of offenders belonged to the age group of 30-39, followed by 18-29 year olds.
“GET THE POINT, NOT THE POINTS!”
Legal Help if You’ve Been Caught or Involved in a Crash
Get expert legal advice from JMK Solicitors today.
Established over 20 years and ranking as NI’s Number 1 Personal Injury Solicitors for over a decade, JMK Solicitors assist clients all over Northern Ireland. If you have suffered a personal injury, been in a car accident, or had an accident at work, contact our team for a free consultation.
Call us today on 028 9032 0222 or email us law@jmksolicitors.com.
