DRIVERS are raving about a handy little gadget that could help keep a £1,000 fine at bay and make driving a dream.
The “handy” device can ensure that you can keep your eyes on the road and not be distracted, thus avoiding expensive fines and accidents.
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Sat-Nav is perhaps one of the best inventions of the technological age, making it so much easier to avoid getting lost when driving through unfamiliar streets.
Popular traffic apps like Waze or Googling Maps can even help drivers avoid traffic jams by providing real-time updates.
But as useful as they are, these apps can get you into trouble if you don't use them carefully.
Experts at Motorcycle competition has warned motorists that they could face fines of up to £1,000 and six points on their driving license if they are caught with their phone behind the wheel.
In the past the law only banned portable calls and messages while the drivingwhich was called 'interactive communication'.
In 2022, these loopholes were closed, making it illegal to even pay touch your phone while you steer.
Hands-free calling and using a telephone for satellite navigation is still allowedas long as you do not enter the destination of your trip while driving.
That's why motoring experts have urged drivers to attach their phones to the windscreen for easier access.
The Motorcycle competition said: “If you need to use your phone for navigation while driving, a hands-free holder for the windscreen is the best approach, but it shouldn't obstruct your view of the road or traffic ahead.”
An affordable and convenient device can be easily found on websites such as Paston sale for a paltry price of £1.27.
The reviews for the gadget are positive: 1,300 car phone holders have already been sold.
One person wrote: “Very gritty and comfortable.”
Another reviewer added: “Nice gadget to have.”
Someone else said: “Good quality for such a cheap item.”
If you opt for a windshield holder, make sure it is in the right place.
It's not technically illegal to fit a sat-nav in the center of the windscreen, but if it obstructs your view you could be fined £100 on the spot.
Phone holders and navigation holders that attach to the windshield may violate the code.
The code says: “windshields and windows SHALL be kept clean and free from obstructions to vision.”
A phone holder stuck to the windshield can obstruct the driver's view court case.
And the Road Traffic Act says: “No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a road if he is in such a position that he cannot have a full view of the road and traffic ahead.”
Road safety Officer Neil Worth has said the safest place for a holder is “in the lower right corner of your windshield.”
And motorists who use a navigation system or telephone do not do that on the dashboard or windshield can receive a fine of £200 and up to six penalty points.
UK laws about using a phone while driving
Using your mobile phone while driving can get you into serious trouble as you endanger yourself and other road users.
It has been illegal to use one mobile phone for calling or texting while driving since 2003.
However, this only covered small parts of the law, such as actually holding the phone to your ear during a conversation.
On March 25, 2022, holding a mobile phone while driving became a punishable offense.
This now includes touching or swiping the phone screen.
This also applies to standing still in traffic or waiting at traffic lights.
- Can I make hands-free calls while driving?
You can use hands-free phones while driving as long as you don't press any buttons, navigation systems and walkie-talkies.
The car's touchscreen dashboard is not exempt from fines as Nationwide Vehicle Contract director Keith Hawes has warned against its use.
Keith said: “Touchscreens have become a common addition to modern vehicles, and the more complex they become, the more distracting they can be.
“If it turns out that you do not have proper control of your vehicle due to the use of dashboard gadgets or hands-free devices, you can still be prosecuted.”
But if the police think you are distracted and not in control of your vehicle, you can still be stopped and fined. The law also applies to motorcyclists.
Any hands-free devices must be fully set up before you start your ride.