The rules on using technology whilst driving your car
Gone are the days of the British Road Atlas or tape decks. Instead, technology is now being used to direct us, entertain us during long journeys and to personalise our vehicles.
In the age when phones are pulled out for every purpose and technology can be used to modify our cars, is all of this legal and safe?
Let’s find out.
Phones for navigation
A phone can be used as a sat nav providing it’s hands-free. Place your phone on a secure mount or holder that does not block the road when using it for directions, or set up voice controls.
If you are seen to be holding any device that can send or receive data whilst you are driving, you can face between a £200 – £1000 fine and points on your licence. This legislation covers any and all hand-held devices too, not just phones.
According to gov.uk, this rule also applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights or queuing on the road. Instead, you must wait until you are safely parked and ignition off before picking up and using a device.
Phones for music and podcasts
As stated above, you cannot hold a phone or other device while driving, stopped at traffic lights or queuing on the road. This rule also applies to phones that are being used to control music or podcasts.
Instead, they must be mounted or placed in a holder, and must not obscure your view of the road. Other hands-free options include Bluetooth headsets, voice commands or built-in car systems.
What about listening to music and podcasts on headphones while driving? It is not technically illegal, however listening to headphones whilst operating a vehicle is strongly discouraged. In fact, if the police deem you to be distracted by your headphones, they can charge you for driving without due care and attention.
Smartwatches
Using a smartwatch while driving is not illegal or against the Highway Code as it is not held in the hand.
However, interacting with or looking at a smartwatch can distract you from vehicle operation, and not paying due care and attention to the road is illegal. If you are found to be driving unsafely or without your full attention because of a smartwatch, you can be prosecuted, fined and have points put on your licence.
This rule also applies when you are stationary such as at traffic lights or queuing.
Dash cams
It is perfectly legal to fit a dashcam to your personal vehicle but commercial vehicles must comply with GDPR laws when using this piece of kit.
There are also regulations covering a dash cam’s placement. The unit itself or any dangling wires must not obscure the driver’s view, so it’s recommended to fit dash cams at the top of the windscreen.
For complete details on dash cam laws, please see our previous dash cam guide on the topic.
Under car lighting
Car customisation has grown in popularity over the years with new and creative ways to personalise your vehicle coming onto the market all the time. One such customisation is under car lighting.
Whilst underglow lighting is legal in the UK, there are a couple of simple regulations that need to be followed.
Your vehicle’s underlighting cannot be red, blue or green to avoid being confused with the emergency services. For a similar reason, under-car lighting cannot flash and must instead display a steady, constant light.
It is worth noting that the police have every right to ask you to switch off or remove your under-car lighting if they deem it as too distracting to other road users.
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