WRONG TURN
Is it illegal to use your mobile phone as a sat nav? Plus can you be fined for using Waze & Google Maps incorrectly?
Find out how you can avoid a costly penalty
FOLLOWING a map on your mobile phone like a sat nav can be a handy way of getting around — but it can be risky too.
With the rollout of new AI cameras that can "see inside your car", here's everything you need to know about the legality of using apps like Google Maps and Waze whilst driving.
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Is it illegal to use your mobile phone as a sat nav?
It is not illegal to use your mobile as a sat nav providing you are doing so correctly.
However, if you are found to be breaking any of the rules around using a mobile phone in a car, it does become illegal and you risk getting a significant fine as well as potentially even losing your driving licence.
Rule 149 of the Highway Code states that drivers must exercise proper control of their cars at all times.
With around 39% of Brits admitting to using navigation technology on their smartphones rather than built-in car sat navs, it has never been more important to get clued up on the laws around this.
Read more on road laws
How can you use your mobile phone as a sat nav?
Drivers can legally use Google Maps and Waze on a mobile phone if it is in hands-free mode and is in a fixed position.
This means that you cannot hold a the device in your hand; it must be attached to the car's dashboard or windscreen and controlled by voice command.
The phone must also not be obstructing your view of the road in any way once mounted, as this alone can still carry a fine.
From March 25, 2022, using a mobile phone or any other handheld device for any purpose while driving became a punishable offence.
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Contrary to what many people think, this still applies even if you are stationary at lights or stuck in traffic.
Exceptions to the rule include calling the emergency services when unable to stop and making a contactless payment at a drive through while the car isn’t moving.
New AI cameras to be rolled out from tomorrow to catch drivers breaking the law
If drivers wish to turn off or otherwise use devices with hands-free access (such as to change directions), they must pull over and park up safely to operate the device legally.
A spokesman for the AA said: "It should be programmed with the route before you set off.
"If you need to re-programme the route then pull over and stop somewhere safe to do it."
And with new new AI speed cameras being rolled out from September 3, 2024 across parts of the UK, drivers will need be extra careful.
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These new speed cameras capture footage of passing vehicles and then run through AI, which to detects whether the driver is committing an offence.
The software takes two detailed photos — the first from an angle showing if the driver has their seatbelt on or a phone to their ear, while the second it taken at a deeper angle showing whether the motorist is using a device for messaging.
Built by tech company Acusensus, the software provides "automated recognition of drivers using mobile phones while driving in order to enforce traffic safety laws intended to prevent distracted driving".
According to the manufacturer the AI cameras, which are known as 'Heads Up' software, have the capacity to capture images at any time, even in the dead of night, and also in the most challenging weather conditions, even sun glare.
Where are the new AI speed cameras being rolled out?
The new AI cameras, which can be mounted to a vehicle or to a trailer, are currently being trialled by 10 police forces.
Those taking part in the trial are: Greater Manchester, Durham, Humberside, Staffordshire, West Mercia, Northamptonshire, Wiltshire, Norfolk, Thames Valley Police and Sussex.
The long-term plan is for AI cameras to be attached to gantries on motorways in the trial regions, but for now the aim is to simply help police understand how AI can be used on National Highway roads.
National Highways and the police began their trial rollout of AI camera tech in 2021, and it is set to run until March 2025.
A similar trial in Cornwall in 2023 saw 300 Brits caught out within just three days.
The AI cameras can capture drivers speeding, using their phones while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, failing to stop at a red light, driving without a valid MOT and driving without insurance.
Acusensus claims that any images captured which do not contain an offence being committed, as well as those that are incorrect, will be deleted immediately from their archives.
What is the fine for incorrectly using your phone as a sat nav?
If you are caught using your phone as a sat nav while it is in your hand, you will get a fine of at least £200.
This can go up to a maximum of £1,000 under certain circumstances if your vehicle is a car.
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You will also get six penalty points on your licence, so drivers who passed their test less than two years go will get banned from driving as a result.
Even if your mobile is in a holder, you can get three penalty points if it is found to be blocking your view.
Ten things YOU should know as a car owner
To help you feel more confident as a car owner, here are ten things you should be familiar with about your vehicle:
- When is your MOT due? Find out here
- When is your car tax due? Find out here
- Is it illegal to drive barefoot?
- How many units can you drink and drive?
- What do dashboard warning lights mean?
- Is it illegal to drive without road tax?
- Can you be fined for breaking the highway code?
- How to change the address on your driving licence
- What does MOT stand for?
- Is it illegal to park across someone's driveway?
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