Sheffield drivers risk losing their licence as law on using mobile phone while driving changes

The Department for Transport is consulting on updating laws so that phone calls and texting are not the only functions banned when behind the wheel.

It would apply across Britain and is expected to come into effect early next year, depending on the outcome of the consultation.

What does the current law say and how could this change?

What the law says now:

The current law forbids using a mobile phone for “interactive communication” while driving.

It is an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone to make a phone call, receive a phone call or send a text message or email.

It is also against the law to access social media sites or streaming services.

What could change?

Motorists would not be allowed to pick up the mobile phone or similar device in hand to perform a number of functions.

It would be an offence to reject a call or compose text messages or emails to save in drafts, ramping up the existing restrictions.

However, the law goes further, in preventing the driver from illuminating the screen, unlocking the device and checking the time or any notifications.

Offending actions also include taking photos or videos, using the phone’s camera as a mirror, searching for music, dictating voice messages and playing a game.

The change would also make it unlawful to perform the functions with a hand-held tablet.

Roads Minister Baroness Vere said: “Our roads are some of the safest in the world, but we want to make sure they’re safer still by bringing the law into the 21st century.

“That’s why we’re looking to strengthen the law to make using a hand-held phone while driving illegal in a wider range of circumstances.

“It’s distracting and dangerous, and for too long risky drivers have been able to escape punishment, but this update will mean those doing the wrong thing will face the full force of the law.”

The punishment for drivers caught breaking the rules on hand-held mobile use are six penalty points and a £200 fine.