Drivers Urged to Stay Phone-Free to Avoid Penalties

Motorists are being cautioned against handling their phones at 3 pm next Sunday, as they could face penalties including six points on their license and a £200 fine. This warning is issued in conjunction with the government's second emergency alert system trial. The test will involve phones and tablets emitting a loud, siren-like sound. Drivers are strongly advised not to interact with their devices during the 10-second test.

The emergency alert system is designed to inform the public of life-threatening dangers. The upcoming test is crucial to ensure the system functions correctly. However, the rules of the road remain in effect. Drivers should not read or respond to the alert while driving, as using a mobile phone behind the wheel is illegal.

On September 7, mobile phones will vibrate and produce a loud siren-like sound for up to ten seconds. A test message will appear on screens, clearly indicating that the alert is merely a trial run. Mobile devices connected to 4G and 5G networks will receive this notification. The system is designed to warn people if there is a life-threatening emergency in their area, such as severe weather conditions.

The government recommends that drivers find a safe and legal place to stop before reading the notification. This test follows a similar deployment in 2023. Being distracted by a mobile phone while driving significantly impairs reaction time and increases the risk of accidents.

The test is part of a larger public safety exercise. The system has been used previously during major storms to alert the public to potential dangers. The largest deployment of the system saw approximately 4.5 million people receive an alert during a storm in January 2025.

It is illegal to hold and use a phone for any reason while driving, including taking photos, texting, browsing the web, or playing games. Using a phone for calls, even with hands-free, if you are not in proper control of the vehicle is also prohibited. Touching a phone while driving, even if it is in a mount, is also against the law.

Permitted uses include hands-free devices for navigation or music and making emergency calls in situations where stopping is unsafe. The consequences of unlawful usage include a £200 fine, six penalty points on your license, and increased insurance costs. New drivers who accumulate six penalty points within two years of obtaining their license could lose it. Furthermore, careless or dangerous driving caused by distraction can lead to prosecution, a hefty fine, and even up to two years in prison.