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Drivers face being hit with a hefty fine and points on their licence if they are found to be using their mobile phone as a passenger in certain circumstances under new Highway Code rules.
Change to the rules on the use of mobile phones while behind the wheel of a car were widened from last Friday.
The law previously stated that drivers could not use their mobile device to make calls, text messages or access the internet.
It has been expanded to include a range of other circumstances, in a bid to keep up with changes to technology since the law was first enforced in 2003.
This has effectively made it illegal for drivers to touch their phone for any reason at all while they are behind the wheel of their vehicle.
The Mirror reports that drivers supervising learners from the passenger seat will also fall foul of the rules, if they are found to be touching their mobile device.
Anyone found to be in breach of the law faces a fine of up to £1,000 and even a driving ban in the worst of circumstances.
The Department for Transport has made some exemptions to the rules in certain circumstances.
Drivers will still be allowed to use their mobile phone as a sat nav, provided that it is docked in a cradle and not in their hand.
Using a phone to a make a contactless payment is also allowed, but only when the car is stationary and the item being paid for must be provided at the same time or shortly after the payment has been made.
The Department of Transport : “There will be an exemption to the new law for drivers making a contactless payment using their mobile phone while stationary to ensure the law keeps pace with technology.
“This exemption will cover, for example, places like a drive-through restaurant or a road toll, and will only apply when payment is being made with a card reader. It will not allow motorists to make general online payments while driving.”
UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps hopes that the changes to the law make it easier for police to prosecute those found to be using their mobile phone behind the wheel.
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