Distracted driving makes you slower at recognising and reacting to hazards, meaning you are more at risk of being involved in a collision. One of the most dangerous distractions is using a mobile phone, for example to text, check social media or call somebody.
In 2018, distracted driving accounted for over 30% of all collisions involving killed or seriously injured in Greater Manchester.
The law
It is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device that must be held at some point, while driving, riding a motorbike, or supervising a learner.
This includes when you're stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
Using a hands-free device is not illegal. But if it affects your ability to drive safely, you can still be prosecuted.
If you're an employer, you can be prosecuted if you ask employees to make or receive calls while driving.
The penalties
If you break the law you can expect six points on your driving licence and a £200 fine.
But in certain circumstances your case may go to court. You could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a fine of up to £1,000.
If you're a driver of a bus or goods vehicle, you could get a fine of up to £2,500.
If you reach six or more penalty points within two years of passing your test, you'll lose your licence. You’ll need to re-sit your driving test to get your licence back.
If you need to drive for work, you could end up losing your job.
The advice
Hazards can arise at any time, so it’s important to stay alert and keep your eyes on the road.
To avoid temptation, keep your phone out of reach. If you do need to use it, find a safe and legal place to stop.
Read government advice about mobile phones.
-
More information on the new single bus journey fares
Get on board with new low bus fares
From September 4, a single bus journey will be no more than £2 for an adult and £1 for a child
-
Visit the planned improvement works page
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
There are planned improvement works on Metrolink across selected lines throughout 2022. You can visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works affect your journeys around Greater Manchester.
-
Find out more about the Cycle Hire sponsorship opportunity
Sponsorship opportunity for GM Cycle Hire
Are you a brand interested in playing a key role in Greater Manchester’s first publicly operated, self-service, 24/7 cycle hire scheme?
-
Visit the free travel scheme page
Free travel for 48 hours for Ukrainians arriving in Greater Manchester
To help Ukrainian nationals arriving in Greater Manchester, Metrolink tram services, rail services and the majority of bus and coach services in the region are being provided free of charge.
-
Visit the Bee Active website
Bee Active this summer
Enter your postcode into our interactive map to see where you can get on foot or by bike in 15 mins.
-
Learn more about the dogs on trams pilot
Dogs on trams pilot
You can travel with your dog on Metrolink as part of a trial
-
More information on the new single bus journey fares
Get on board with new low bus fares
From September 4, a single bus journey will be no more than £2 for an adult and £1 for a child
-
Find out more about the Cycle Hire sponsorship opportunity
Sponsorship opportunity for GM Cycle Hire
Are you a brand interested in playing a key role in Greater Manchester’s first publicly operated, self-service, 24/7 cycle hire scheme?
-
Visit the Bee Active website
Bee Active this summer
Enter your postcode into our interactive map to see where you can get on foot or by bike in 15 mins.
-
Visit the planned improvement works page
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
There are planned improvement works on Metrolink across selected lines throughout 2022. You can visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works affect your journeys around Greater Manchester.
-
Visit the free travel scheme page
Free travel for 48 hours for Ukrainians arriving in Greater Manchester
To help Ukrainian nationals arriving in Greater Manchester, Metrolink tram services, rail services and the majority of bus and coach services in the region are being provided free of charge.
-
Learn more about the dogs on trams pilot
Dogs on trams pilot
You can travel with your dog on Metrolink as part of a trial