News In Focus
26 February 2007
Fixed penalty doubles for mobile phone use
From tomorrow, 27 February, drivers caught using a hand-held mobile phone while driving will face a £60 fixed penalty, double the current fine.
In addition, drivers will now get three penalty points on their licence. A case taken to court will attract a maximum £1,000 fine on conviction, or £2,500 for drivers of buses, coaches or goods vehicles.
It is estimated that as many as a quarter of all motorists continue to use their phones in breach of the law.
Using a hands-free kit while driving will attract the same penalties if it results in the driver not having proper control of their vehicle. The RAC and the Institute of Advanced Motorists urge drivers to resist this option, as it distracts the driver's attention.
Police forces across Scotland intend to enforce the law and have pointed out that they will now be able to impose penalties without stopping a driver, simply sending a letter notifying them that the penalties have been imposed.