Sat Nav law loophole could help you avoid mega £1,000 driving fine

02 July 2023 , 00:23

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Anybody caught using a handheld phone while driving faces at least a £200 fine, and six penalty points on their license (Image: Getty Images)

Sat Navs have become a key part of any long journey, as the old tatty road atlases remain hidden away in a drawer.

While they're undeniably helpful for drivers aiming to get around new areas, they also come with a major warning.

Most people nowadays have moved away from using actual Sat Navs, and tend to just stick with their smartphone instead.

There's a whole host of apps available specifically designed to act as Sat Navs, including Google Maps, Apple Maps, and Waze.

But, don't forget that it's still illegal to use your phone while driving in the UK.

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Anybody caught using a handheld phone while driving faces at least a £200 fine, and six penalty points on their license.

If the offence is deemed particularly serious, that could rise to a £1,000 fine, as well as a court appearance and a ban from driving.

That same law applies to holding a Sat Nav while driving, even if you've stopped at traffic lights.

So, you could avoid a big dent in your bank account - as well as a possible driving ban - by simply making sure your phone is mounted on your dashboard or windscreen while driving.

Even though you might be tempted, you shouldn't programme your Sat Nav or app while driving, and definitely don't hold it in your hand.

If in doubt, it's always best to pull over to the side of the road in a safe place before playing with your phone.

It might also sound simple, but be sure to check the overview of your route before heading off.

You might find that a general understanding of where you're heading means you're less likely to start touching the map.

Phone mounts are relatively common to come by these days, and vary from actual plastic holders, to simple magnetised inlets.

Matt Atherton