UK drivers face a £200 fine and penalty points under existing mobile phone laws as activity on the roads increases during early September. The rise in traffic coincides with the end of the summer holiday period and the return of school-related journeys across the country.
According to Birmingham Mail, this seasonal shift has historically led to an uptick in driving offences linked to distraction at the wheel. The Highway Code outlines specific restrictions in Rule 149, which applies even when vehicles are stationary or when devices are not actively connected. Enforcement typically intensifies around school drop-off and pick-up times.
Distracted Driving Linked to School Drop-Offs May Lead to Fine
September marks the return of school routines, and with them, a sharp increase in road traffic during morning and afternoon hours. This change in behavior is also tied to a measurable surge in distracted driving. Specifically, the act of using mobile phones behind the wheel spikes during this period, especially among parents engaged in school drop-offs.
Toby van der Meer, CEO of Hastings Direct, commented:
The start of the school year is a hectic time for many families. There is a clear pattern of increased phone use behind the wheel, posing a serious risk to road safety.
He added:
We urge all road users to resist the temptation to multitask and to stay fully focused while driving. Staying alert not only helps prevent accidents but also helps avoid the sometimes-devastating consequences that follow them.
Telematics Reveals Behavioral Risks in Real Time
Telematics systems are increasingly being used to monitor and improve driving habits. These technologies track behaviors such as phone use, harsh braking, and speeding, providing actionable feedback to drivers. According to van der Meer, Hastings Direct has found that telematics tools are effective in fostering more responsible driving:
Telematics plays a vital role in promoting safer driving by providing real-time feedback and encouraging more mindful behaviour behind the wheel. Through data-driven insights, drivers can better understand and improve their habits, helping to create safer roads.
School Hours Bring Peak Vulnerability
William Powers, co-founder and CEO of Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), emphasized that this seasonal shift in road behavior is consistent across the UK. He noted:
Back-to-school week should be an exciting time for families, not one to worry about distracted driving dangers on the road.
He added:
CMT’s data shows distracted driving rises during school hours, when children are most vulnerable. By highlighting these risks with Hastings Direct, we want to help drivers stay focused and keep kids safe.
What Rule 149 of the Highway Code Actually Says
The UK’s Highway Code is clear on the matter. Under Rule 149, it states:
You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, for any purpose when driving or when supervising a learner driver.
The regulation applies even when the phone’s interactive communication capability is turned off or unavailable. More specifically, it prohibits the following behaviors:
You MUST NOT pick up the phone or similar device while driving to dial a number and then put it in the cradle for the duration of the conversation.
You MUST NOT pick up and use your hand-held phone or similar device while stationary in traffic.
These examples clarify that the restriction is not limited to making calls or active use. Simply holding the device, even if not in use or while stopped at a red light, is a violation.
