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Picking up the mobile phone to make or take a call, or sending a crafty text message whilst driving along in your car, has become the norm to many people in the UK.
 However, police have been issuing warnings for some time with regards to the dangers of using your mobile phone whilst driving unless you have an appropriate hands free kit that enables you to make or take a call safely whilst driving. And now the police are really clamping day, because as of the 27 th February 2007 being caught using your phone whilst driving and without a hands free kit will cost you an on the spot fine of £60 as well as three points on your license.
Previously, being caught using your mobile phone whilst driving would get you a thirty pound fine and a slapped wrist. However, now that this has become an endurable offence carrying three points if caught the implications could be far more serious.
According to the AA Insurance many people who now get caught will see their insurance premiums shoot up, as insurance companies will now take this sort of offence far more seriously when calculating costs for insurance cover.
The head of motor insurance at the AA, Jane Pell, stated: "While some insurers may ignore a first offence as they may for a speeding (SP30) endorsement they are likely to significantly increase premiums for a second one. In addition, under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act, the offence remains on your record for five years and insurers will take account of driving infringements over that period, even though endorsements can be removed from your driving license after three years."
She also added: "And don't even think about not telling your insurer. If your previous offence is discovered - as it will be in the event of even a no-fault accident - you could find your insurance invalidated and the company would be within its rights to withhold payment for your comprehensive cover if you're involved in an accident."
Tom Smith
17.03.07
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