£200 warning to all drivers over common mistake at traffic lights
West MIdlands drivers have been issued a warning over a common issue. The rules of the road are there to keep all of us safe, whether that applies to motorists or pedestrians using the pavement. With the potential for slight distractions to cause accidents and injury, it's always important that drivers remain focused on the road at all times.
There are the obvious ones, such as not speeding, and also ensuring you keep both hands on the wheel. Another big one is not driving while holding a mobile telephone.
With the rise in popularity of mobile phones at the turn of the millennium, the UK government brought in legislation back in 2003 making it illegal to use a hand-held phone whilst driving. Since then, the law has been tightened - with the fines and severity of punishments increased - to stop motorists from doing it.
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By contrast, in 2007, the penalty was increased to a £60 fine and three points on your driving licence. Today in 2024, the penalty is a £200 fine and six penalty points.
While this law applies to drivers whilst they are moving on the road, some motorists may think it is more acceptable to use their phones whilst sat stationary at a set of traffic lights. However the law is still the same and emergency services have sought to remind motorists of the rules.
In a post on X/Twitter, West Midlands Fire Service wrote: "Stopped at traffic lights? You still can't use your phone. The law applies even when you're stationary. Keep your device away and stay alert while you're driving."