In the RAC’s (2024) Report on Motoring, 55% of under-25s, and 27% of drivers across all age groups admitted to making or receiving calls on a handheld phone at least occasionally while behind the wheel. With these statistics only covering those willing to confess, the true percentages are likely to be even higher.

In 2025, taking calls isn’t the only thing Britons are doing on their phones while driving. Widespread smartphone use opens the door to further distractions like checking texts, listening to voice notes, taking photos or videos, using social media, and even playing games (RAC, 2024).

Firstly, it’s important to note that it’s not just texting and driving that’s illegal. It’s against the law to hold a phone while driving any kind of vehicle or motorcycle, even if you’re not technically ‘texting’. The ban also extends to any device that can send or receive data, including sat navs and tablets (Gov.uk, n.d.-a).

According to Gov.uk, there are a few very specific circumstances in which you are allowed to hold your device whilst behind the wheel (Gov.uk, n.d.-a).

 These are:

·         If you need to call 999 and it’s not safe to stop the vehicle

·         If you’re safely parked

·         If you’re making a contactless payment in a non-moving vehicle (e.g., at a drive-thru)

·         If you’re using the device to park remotely

·         In 2023,15,300 UK drivers were prosecuted for using a mobile phone behind the wheel (RAC, 2024).

·         Official statistics by the Department for Transport (2024) reported a higher rate of observed mobile phone use among van (0.62%) and HGV (0.29%) drivers than car (0.20%) drivers.

·         Distraction or impairment was present in 34.9% of fatal traffic collisions in Great Britain in 2023 (Department for Transport, 2024).

·         In the RAC’s (2024) annual Report on Motoring, 64% of drivers admitted to missing a junction or turning, 51% admitted to exceeding the speed limit, 13% admitted to almost colliding with another car, pedestrian, or cyclist, and 8% admitted to failing to stop at a junction, crossing, or red light due to distraction.

If you’re caught using a phone or other device behind the wheel, you’ll likely get six points on your license and a £200 fine, but you may be fined up to £1,000. If you don’t have proper control of your vehicle or a full view of the road, you can get a further three points. In some cases, you could be taken to court and receive a driving ban (Gov.uk, n.d.-a).

For new drivers, the penalty for texting and driving is even greater. In the UK, anyone who accumulates six or more points on their license within two years of passing their test has their license revoked (Gov.uk, n.d.-b). As the penalty for texting and driving is six points, a new driver would lose their hard-earned license for doing so.

HGV drivers caught on their phone are subject to more hefty fines – up to £2,500 (Gov.uk, n.d.-a). Professional drivers are also referred to the Traffic Commissioner when caught using their mobile phone, which could lead to a minimum four-week suspension from professional driving (THINK!, 2017). Ultimately, if an HGV driver decides to quickly check a text, it could be significantly detrimental to their wallet, licence, and career.

In 2025, most of us are constantly on the go, relying heavily on our mobile phones and electronic devices for work and play. Unfortunately, this means they can be a major distraction for drivers.

Here are a few strategies you can use to avoid the enticing ‘ping’ of your mobile phone:

·         Minimise temptation by putting your phone into ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode. This means your notifications will be silenced while you’re driving.

·         If you have a passenger, ask them to read and respond to messages for you.

·         If you really must check or send a text, DM, or email, pull over and park in a safe location.

Hands-free technology can also help you prioritise safe driving. Gov.uk (n.d.-a) suggests using the following:

·         A Bluetooth headset

·         Voice commands

·         Dashboard holder or mat

·         Windscreen mount

·         Built-in sat nav

It’s a common myth that eating, drinking, and smoking behind the wheel are all illegal. While this isn’t true, you can still face a penalty of £100 and three points on your license for careless driving if the activity is deemed to be causing distraction. It’s also worth noting that smoking with passengers under the age of 18 in the car is illegal (RAC, n.d.).

Since 2009, 2nd2None Driving School has been equipping new drivers with sound and safe driving knowledge. In 2025, we offer a blend of driving lessons, theory test support, HGV training, and driving instructor training.

With over 30 qualified instructors scattered across the southwest of the UK, we’ll connect you with a local expert who can meet your unique needs. Get in touch to start your journey today.