Revealed: Why Using A Mobile Sat Nav Could Get You Banned

By Blind Spot DriveBlog

Revealed: Why Using A Mobile Sat Nav Could Get You Banned

Revealed: Why Using A Mobile Sat Nav Could Get You Banned

---

Outline

1. Introduction
   • Overview of new law on mobile phone use while driving
   • Focus on the rising concern of using mobile devices as sat navs
2. The New Law: What You Need to Know
   • Stiffer penalties introduced in April
   • How the law affects mobile phone use in cars
3. Why Mobile Sat Nav Use Can Lead to Bans
   • The dangers of using mobile sat navs
   • Legal consequences of using a mobile for navigation
4. The National Police Chiefs Council Warning
   • Details of the warning issued by the police
   • Importance of complying with the rules to avoid prosecution
5. How Even Minor Actions Can Result in Fines
   • Touching the screen while driving
   • Risks associated with using mobile devices at traffic lights or in queues
6. The Consequences: Fines, Points, and Disqualification
   • The potential for hefty fines and penalty points
   • The impact on new drivers and their ability to keep their licence
7. Real-Life Case Studies
   • Examples of drivers fined or prosecuted for sat nav use
8. Top 8 Rules of Mobile Use for Drivers
   • Detailed breakdown of the key rules to follow
9. How to Safely Use Your Mobile as a Sat Nav
   • Ensuring correct mounting of your phone
   • Alternatives to using a mobile phone as a sat nav
10. What About Using Mobile Payments While Driving?
    • The rules for using mobile payments at drive-thrus and the importance of the handbrake
11. Risks of Over-Reliance on Sat Navs
    • The potential dangers of blindly following navigation apps
    • Case of sat nav errors leading to speeding fines
12. Keeping Your Sat Nav Updated
    • Why it’s crucial to have the latest maps and software updates
    • How outdated sat navs can cause issues
13. Alternatives to Mobile Sat Navs
    • Dedicated sat nav devices vs. using your phone
    • Pros and cons of each option
14. Tips for Avoiding Prosecution While Driving
    • Steps to stay within the law and avoid penalties
15. Conclusion
    • Recap of the importance of following mobile use rules
    • Final thoughts on staying safe and compliant
16. FAQs
    • Frequently asked questions related to mobile phone use while driving

---

Revealed: Why Using A Mobile Sat Nav Could Get You Banned

---

Introduction

We all know the importance of using a sat nav while driving – whether it’s to get us to that unfamiliar destination or avoid traffic jams. But did you know that using your mobile phone as a sat nav could get you into serious trouble? In fact, a recent warning from the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) highlights how seemingly innocent actions like touching your mobile screen, even at traffic lights, can land you with hefty fines, points on your license, or even a ban from driving altogether.

This issue has become even more pressing with the introduction of new laws that severely punish mobile phone use while driving. While many drivers are aware of the dangers of texting or calling behind the wheel, the risks of using a mobile as a sat nav have not been as widely understood. Let’s dive into the rules surrounding mobile phone use in vehicles and why your sat nav could be the culprit behind a driving ban.

---

The New Law: What You Need to Know

In April this year, the UK government tightened laws regarding mobile phone use while driving. The law, which initially banned texting or making calls while on the road, now covers virtually any interaction with your phone while driving – including using it for navigation.

Under the new rules, drivers can face a £200 fine and six penalty points for interacting with their phone in any way that distracts from controlling the vehicle. In some cases, drivers can even face a court appearance and a fine of up to £1,000, depending on the severity of the infraction. This includes using your phone as a sat nav – a common practice for many drivers.

---

Why Mobile Sat Nav Use Can Lead to Bans

While it may seem harmless to glance at your phone’s screen or swipe to change a route, any physical interaction with a mobile device while driving is illegal under the current laws. This is because even brief distractions can impair your ability to respond to changing road conditions, and the consequences can be severe.

What many drivers don’t realize is that simply holding or touching your mobile device while driving could be enough to warrant a fine. If the police believe that your use of a sat nav has affected your ability to control the vehicle, you could be prosecuted. The authorities are cracking down hard on mobile phone-related distractions, especially when it comes to navigation devices.

---

The National Police Chiefs Council Warning

The NPCC has issued a stark warning to motorists: using a mobile phone for navigation, even at traffic lights or while stuck in a traffic queue, could result in serious consequences. While many of us think it’s safe to interact with a sat nav when the car is stationary, such actions can still lead to a fine and points on your license.

According to the NPCC, if a police officer believes that the driver was distracted by their mobile phone in a way that hindered their control of the car, they are within their rights to issue a penalty. This is why it’s important to understand that the law doesn’t just apply to when you’re moving but also when the car is stationary.

---

How Even Minor Actions Can Result in Fines

It’s not just about texting or calling – the new law includes any form of interaction with your phone that could distract you. For example, even the smallest action, such as tapping your phone screen to adjust the map or change the route, can lead to a fine.

And while you might think you’re safe when your car is idling at a red light, think again. If you’re caught using your phone at a standstill, it could still count as an offence. In fact, research has shown that many drivers don’t realize they’re breaking the law when they interact with their mobile devices at traffic lights or while caught in a queue.

---

The Consequences: Fines, Points, and Disqualification

If you’re caught using your mobile device while driving, the consequences can be severe. The standard penalty for mobile phone use while driving is a £200 fine and six penalty points on your license. However, the penalties can increase significantly if you end up in court.

For new drivers, these six points can be disastrous. If you accumulate six or more points within the first two years of passing your driving test, you’ll automatically face a driving ban and may need to retake your test. Even experienced drivers can suffer, as accumulating 12 or more penalty points can lead to a driving disqualification.

---

Real-Life Case Studies

There have been numerous cases of drivers being fined or even banned from driving for using their mobile phones as sat navs. In one case, a driver was caught adjusting their map app at a red light, resulting in a £200 fine and six penalty points. Another driver was pulled over for having their phone mounted incorrectly, blocking part of the windscreen, which led to a fine and points.

---

Top 8 Rules of Mobile Use for Drivers

To stay safe and avoid penalties, here are eight essential rules to follow when using your mobile phone in your vehicle:

1. Only use your mobile when the car is safely parked – This includes entering postcodes into navigation apps.
2. Use hands-free or a mounted phone – Ensure your phone is mounted securely on the windscreen and does not obstruct your view.
3. Do not use your phone while supervising a learner driver – Your attention should be focused entirely on the learner’s driving.
4. The mobile should never be in your lap or a cup holder – Use a proper cradle to mount your phone.
5. Ensure your phone is not obstructing your vision – Never place your phone where it blocks the windscreen wipers.
6. Only use your phone in an emergency situation – If you need to call 999, pull over safely.
7. Don’t use your phone at drive-thrus unless the car is stationary – Make sure the handbrake is on and the engine is off.
8. Avoid over-relying on sat navs – Always double-check road signs and be aware of your surroundings.

---

How to Safely Use Your Mobile as a Sat Nav

To avoid distractions and comply with the law, it’s essential to mount your mobile phone properly on the windscreen, out of the way of your field of vision. Additionally, it’s a good idea to set your route before starting your journey to minimize the need for adjustments while driving. If you must make changes, pull over safely to do so.

---

What About Using Mobile Payments While Driving?

Using your mobile to pay for things at a drive-thru or gas station is another common concern. The rules are clear: you must have your engine off and the handbrake on before interacting with your phone. Otherwise, you risk prosecution for mobile phone use while driving.

---

Risks of Over-Reliance on Sat Navs

Sat navs are helpful, but they can also lead to issues, especially if drivers become too reliant on them. For instance, a driver might follow a sat nav’s instructions without questioning them, even if the app is showing an incorrect speed limit. This can result in speeding fines, especially if the sat nav’s map is outdated.

---

Keeping Your Sat Nav Updated

It’s essential to keep your sat nav or mobile navigation app updated with the latest maps and software. Outdated information, like incorrect speed limits or road closures, can put you at risk of fines or accidents.

---

Alternatives to Mobile Sat Navs

If you want to avoid the risks associated with mobile sat navs, consider investing in a dedicated GPS device. These devices are designed to be safer and more reliable than using a mobile phone, and they won’t distract you with notifications or apps.

---

Tips for Avoiding Prosecution While Driving

To avoid legal trouble, make sure your phone is properly mounted, only interact with it when parked safely, and always be aware of the rules surrounding mobile use. Stay updated on the latest laws to ensure you’re compliant and stay safe on the road.

---

Conclusion

The laws surrounding mobile phone use while driving are clear and strict. Using your mobile as a sat nav, even at a red light, can result in severe consequences, including fines, penalty points, or even disqualification. To stay on the right side of the law, always ensure your phone is mounted securely, avoid distractions while driving, and keep your sat nav updated.

---

FAQs

1. Can I use my mobile phone for navigation if the car is stationary?
   • No, you can still be fined if you’re caught using your mobile at a standstill, such as at traffic lights or in a queue.
2. What are the penalties for using a mobile phone as a sat nav?
   • You can face a £200 fine, six penalty points, and even a potential driving ban.
3. Is it illegal to use a mobile phone for navigation when I’m supervising a learner driver?
   • Yes, supervising a learner driver requires your full attention, and using your phone in any way is prohibited.
4. How can I safely use my mobile as a sat nav?
   • Ensure your phone is properly mounted on the windscreen and avoid interacting with it while driving.
5. What should I do if my sat nav is showing the wrong speed limit?
   • Make sure to regularly update your sat nav software and be cautious, always verifying road signs and speed limits.
   • Main image by pinterest