Don't pay the penalty - go hands-free

Think you can get away with using your mobile while driving? Think again. This week UK Police announced that they had caught nearly 8,000 drivers using mobile phones behind the wheel in a clampdown that lasted one week in November. Some 7,966 drivers were found to be on the phone, leading to more than 7,800 fixed penalty notices and 68 court summons. Police stopped 10,012 vehicles, with 117 people charged for being distracted behind the wheel for offences such as eating while driving. Record-high numbers were achieved thanks to the use of new policing techniques that included unmarked vans and motorbike-mounted police wearing helmet cameras. So-called community spotters are also providing police with the locations of offence hotspots ahead of a new week-long clampdown. “This week forces will be working to make driving distracted as socially unacceptable as drink driving through enforcing strong deterrents and powerful messages to make people think twice about their driving habits,” said chief constable Suzette Davenport, who is the National Police Chiefs’ Council's boss for roads policing. “Encouraging results from last year’s campaign against mobile phone use show how effective new tactics and innovative approaches can be. Officers will continue to use intelligence-led tactics to target police activity and resources and catch repeat offenders.” The law - It's illegal to use a handheld mobile when driving. - This includes using your mobile phone to follow a map, read a text or check social media. This applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic. - You can only use a handheld phone if you are safely parked or need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop. - If you’re caught using a handheld phone while driving, you’ll get 3 penalty points on your licence and a fine of £100. Points on your licence will result in higher insurance costs. - If you get just 6 points in the first two years after passing your test, you will lose your licence. - You may use a hands-free phone while driving but you can still be prosecuted if you’re not in proper control of your vehicle. The penalties are same as being caught using a handheld phone. - The penalties for driving carelessly or dangerously when using a handheld or hands-free phone can include disqualification, a large fine and up to two years imprisonment. You can cut your chances of falling foul of the law by investing in one of our range of state-of-the-art bluetooth hands-free kits. Take your phone calls by connecting your phone wirelessly to any of our Bluetooth devices, ranging from top of the range Parrot Bluetooth kits to the easy install fm transmitters. Don't want a separate solution? Why not look at our Bluetooth Car Stereos?