Mobile ban takes effect

You're nicked!

From 1 December, driving and dialling don't mix.

That's the day when the new laws on using mobile phones while at the wheel come into force.

Until now, drivers could be penalised if it was considered that using a phone affected their driving.

But in future the act of using a hand-held phone is an offence in itself.

The only way to use a mobile phone in your car is by using a hands-free kit.

Traffic lights

And that means totally hands-free - even if you have to pick up your phone to receive a call you're breaking the law.

It's also an offence to cradle the handset in your shoulder or to use it while you're sitting at traffic lights - you're still considered to be driving.

If you break the law, you could be liable for a £30 fine. If the matter ends up in court, that could rise to £1,000.

You don't have to switch your phone off while driving, but if it rings you're advised to pull over to take the call or to call back.

Distracted

Road safety minister David Jamieson says: "It's hard to concentrate when you are doing two things at once and any driver will be distracted by a phone call or text message.

"You are risking your own life and those of other road users."

Some critics argue that it's not physically holding the phone that's dangerous, but having the conversation.

"I took part in a controlled experiment recently," says Rebecca Reese from the AA.

"The research found I was four times more likely to miss a potential hazard on the road when I was having a phone conversation."

Period of grace

Someone using a hands-free kit could still be pulled over if police deemed it meant they were not in control of their vehicle.

Although the laws are now in force, the Association of Chief Police Officers has recommended that officers in England and Wales give drivers a period of grace to get used to them.

Motorists are likely to be pulled over and given a verbal warning in the next couple of months.

However, drivers in Scotland have been given no such concession.