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 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
Greater Manchester Police have increased the number of marked and unmarked vehicles and roadside checks to spot people who break the law.
To avoid temptation, switch off your phone before driving. If you do leave it on, keep it out of reach and, if it rings, find a safe and legal place to stop and call back.
Read more above government advice about mobile phones
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Learn more about getting to Co-op Live
Travel included with Co-op Live tickets
Co-op Live ticket holders can travel on the tram and new city centre shuttle buses.
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Learn more about the Bee Network
Say yellow to the Bee Network
Buses in Oldham, Rochdale and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester joined the Bee Network on 24 March.
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Learn more about new Starling Bank Bikes
New sponsor: Starling Bank Bikes
We’re delighted to welcome Starling Bank on board as the new sponsors of our bike hire scheme.
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Find full details of the bus routes, ticket fares and timetables
Manchester City Matchday Buses
We've teamed up with Manchester City to launch a large-scale bus trial helping fans from across Greater Manchester and nearby areas to travel to and from the Etihad Stadium on a matchday.
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Rate your journey
Rate your journey
We want to hear your views to help us deliver a better Bee Network for Greater Manchester.
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Find out about planned works on the tram
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
Visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works could affect your journeys.
-
Learn more about getting to Co-op Live
Travel included with Co-op Live tickets
Co-op Live ticket holders can travel on the tram and new city centre shuttle buses.
-
Learn more about new Starling Bank Bikes
New sponsor: Starling Bank Bikes
We’re delighted to welcome Starling Bank on board as the new sponsors of our bike hire scheme.
-
Rate your journey
Rate your journey
We want to hear your views to help us deliver a better Bee Network for Greater Manchester.
-
Learn more about the Bee Network
Say yellow to the Bee Network
Buses in Oldham, Rochdale and parts of Bury, Salford and north Manchester joined the Bee Network on 24 March.
-
Find full details of the bus routes, ticket fares and timetables
Manchester City Matchday Buses
We've teamed up with Manchester City to launch a large-scale bus trial helping fans from across Greater Manchester and nearby areas to travel to and from the Etihad Stadium on a matchday.
-
Find out about planned works on the tram
Planned engineering works on Metrolink
Visit our dedicated webpage to find out how the works could affect your journeys.