Mobile phone

Legislation introduced on the 1 December 2003 made the use of mobile phones and other hand held devices while driving an offence. Texting and Talking on a mobile phone while driving is extremely dangerous.

From February 2007 drivers were faced with stricter penalties for using their mobile phone while driving.

Those caught breaching the legislation can expect to receive a £60 fixed penalty and three points on their licence. Offences which are dealt with by summons will attract a fine of up to £1,000 or in the case of drivers of goods vehicles or vehicles adapted to carry nine or more passengers, £2500. In addition, rather than a fixed penalty, you may be offered a course if you are deemed suitable.

Suffolk Police frequently deals with the aftermath of collisions, which have been caused by a moment’s lapse of concentration.

It has been shown that a driver is four times more likely to be involved in a collision when texting or talking on a mobile phone. We hope that banning the use of hand-held mobiles by drivers of vehicles will play its part in cutting the number of such incidents on our roads.

While the key to these regulations is that the device must be hand-held it is worth bearing in mind that any activity that causes a driver to lose concentration or control of his or her vehicle can be extremely dangerous.

Therefore, Suffolk police will continue to use their existing powers to deal with dangerous or careless drivers in addition to the legislation, in order to protect all road users.

Our advice is simple - turn your phone off before you start your journey, give your full attention to the road while you are driving, and don’t turn it back on until you are parked safely and able to deal with your calls and messages.

Missing a call won't kill you - a collision quite possibly could.