Safe driving
Mobile phones while driving: what is prohibited and what are the risks
While driving, do not use a phone or other device in your hand; set up navigation and calls before setting off.
Article 173 prohibits using radiotelephone equipment and devices while driving if they require you to take your hands off the steering wheel, even temporarily. Some hands-free or earpiece systems are permitted if they do not require the use of your hands.
What the Highway Code prohibits
While driving, you must not use radiotelephone equipment, smartphones, computers, notebooks, tablets or similar devices if doing so requires you to take your hands off the steering wheel, even for a moment. The ban includes picking up your phone, typing, scrolling the screen or holding it to read a notification. It makes no difference if the vehicle is in a queue or at a traffic light: while you are driving in traffic, do not operate the device by hand.
The Highway Code permits hands-free equipment or an earpiece, provided the driver has adequate hearing in both ears and the system does not require the use of their hands. Hands-free operation does not eliminate mental distraction: a complex conversation, notification or search for a route can take your attention away from the road. Set your destination and connect the system before setting off; if you need to make an adjustment, pull over somewhere you are allowed to stop.
Even checking your phone for a few seconds reduces visual and cognitive attention. At urban speeds, a vehicle travels tens of metres while you look at the screen. Do not rely on the road seeming clear or the display being mounted on the dashboard: touching it may require hand movements and attention.
- Do not hold or type on your phone while driving.
- Hands-free systems or earpieces are permitted if they do not require the use of your hands and the legal conditions are met.
- Set up your sat nav and playlist before setting off.
- To read or reply, stop somewhere you are allowed to stop.
Reducing opportunities for distraction
Enable driving or silent mode and place the phone in a secure holder, out of immediate reach if you are likely to pick it up. If you are travelling with a passenger, ask them to manage navigation and messages. Do not look at the vehicle's screen for longer than necessary or search for addresses or apps while moving.
Penalties and additional measures are governed by the Highway Code and have been updated: check the current text for amounts and consequences instead of relying on old online articles.
To revise the rules on device use and other driving behaviours,Quiz Patente Ufficiale offers chapters, timed practice tests and a review of mistakes.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my phone at a red light?
Do not operate it by hand while driving in traffic. Wait until you have parked somewhere permitted before reading or typing.
Is a sat nav in a holder always permitted?
A holder means you do not have to hold the device, but interactions that require your hands or distract you may breach the rules and compromise safety. Set your route before moving.