You get penalty points added to your driving licence for all sorts of driving-related offences, like speeding or driving dangerously. The penalties for traffic offences are set out in the Highway Code.
If you’re caught using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving or riding, your case may go to court. If it does, you may face disqualification from driving or riding on top of a maximum fine of £1,000.
Using a mobile ‘phone while driving adversely affects driver performance in a number of different ways; namely reaction times, judgement and awareness.
The risk of being involved in a collision is four times higher when using a mobile ‘phone when driving than when not using one. Additionally, you will have worse reaction times than someone who is driving after drinking alcohol at the legal limit.
If you’ve just passed your first driving test, the New Drivers Act means you’re ‘on probation’ for two years. If you reach six or more penalty points in that time, you’ll lose your licence. You’ll have to apply and pay for a new provisional licence, and means you’ll be a learner driver again.
If the driver is convicted of causing death by dangerous driving from drug use, they will receive a prison sentence of up to fourteen years.
If you’re caught using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving or riding, you can expect to get an automatic fixed penalty notice. This means you’ll get three penalty points on your driving licence and have to pay a fine of £60.
Driving whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs doesn’t just put the driver’s life in danger – it’s also all the passengers, the drivers and passengers of other cars, cyclists, and anyone walking on the pavement.
For a drug drive conviction there will be a specific record on the driving licence for eleven years that details a conviction for drug driving. If they drive for work their employer will see the conviction when they have to produce their licence. Car insurance will increase significantly.
The penalties for a drug drive conviction are the same as for drink driving: a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record and a fine of up to £5000.