{"id":43742,"date":"2023-10-18T15:20:22","date_gmt":"2023-10-18T15:20:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lethal-industry.com\/?p=43742"},"modified":"2023-10-18T15:20:22","modified_gmt":"2023-10-18T15:20:22","slug":"is-it-illegal-to-use-your-mobile-phone-as-a-sat-nav-the-sun","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lethal-industry.com\/world-news\/is-it-illegal-to-use-your-mobile-phone-as-a-sat-nav-the-sun\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it illegal to use your mobile phone as a sat-nav? | The Sun"},"content":{"rendered":"

MOTORISTS are at risk of facing a hefty fine if caught using their mobile phone while driving.<\/span><\/p>\n

That leaves many asking the question – what is the legal way to use the <\/span>sat-nav<\/span> on your smartphone? Here\u2019s everything you need to know.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Can you use your mobile phone as a sat-nav?<\/h2>\n

While these high-tech systems are undeniably helpful for <\/span>drivers<\/span> aiming to find their way around, they can land you a hefty fine if not used correctly.<\/span><\/p>\n

From March 25, 2022, using a mobile phone or any other handheld device for any purpose while driving <\/span>became a punishable offence<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the government website: \u2018\u2019It\u2019s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a <\/span>motorcycle<\/span>.\u2019\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

The <\/span>law<\/span> still applies if a driver is stopped at <\/span>traffic lights<\/span>, queuing in traffic, supervising a <\/span>learner driver<\/span>, or using a car that has a start\/stop engine when you're not moving.<\/span><\/p>\n

If caught doing so by the police, motorists risk receiving a hefty \u00a3200 fine – <\/span>which could rise to \u00a31,000<\/span> if the offence is deemed particularly serious.<\/span><\/p>\n

Drivers who have passed their test in the last two years may also be at risk of losing their licence.<\/span><\/p>\n

Exceptions to the rule are if you are calling the emergency services and are unable to stop or if you\u2019re making a <\/span>contactless payment<\/span> at a drive thru while the car isn\u2019t moving.<\/span><\/p>\n

It is also worth noting that Rule 149 of the <\/span>Highway Code<\/span> states that drivers must exercise proper control of their cars at all times.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Car experts at Which? said: "You\u2019re the one in control of your vehicle. It is your responsibility to ensure you adhere to all relevant driving regulations.<\/span><\/p>\n

"Satellite navigation is intended as a driver\u2019s aid and not a foolproof device to depend on absolutely.<\/span><\/p>\n

"You won\u2019t be able to use poor sat-nav guidance as a defence in the event that it sends you the wrong way down a one-way street or you drive your car off a quayside."<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the legal way to use a sat-nav system on your phone?<\/h2>\n

You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage – for example, a built-in sat nav.<\/span><\/p>\n

Smartphones showing maps or portable navigation systems are allowed to be used in a cradle.<\/span><\/p>\n

This means that a smartphone displaying a maps app is allowed if it is in a cradle and not touched by the driver while driving.<\/span><\/p>\n

If drivers wish to turn off or otherwise use devices with hands-free access, such as changing directions on sat-navs and map apps, they must pull over and park up safely to operate the device legally.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>A spokesman for <\/span>the AA<\/span> said: "It should be programmed with the route before you set off.<\/span><\/p>\n

"If you need to re-programme the route then pull over and stop somewhere safe to do it."<\/span><\/p>\n

Can you stick mobile devices and sat-navs to your windscreen?<\/h2>\n

According to the RAC: \u2018\u2019If you wish to use an app for directions you should fix the phone to the windscreen or <\/span>dashboard<\/span>, so it\u2019s in clear view while driving (but not obstructing your view), without requiring you to hold or interact with it.\u2019<\/span>\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

The holder must be out of the 45-degree angle of the driver's view and holders that slip into the air vent are available.<\/span><\/p>\n

Phone holders are available online for just \u00a36, while specialist sat nav mounts can be picked up for as little as a fiver.<\/span><\/p>\n

They allow you to interact with your chosen route map without risking a brush with the law.<\/span> \u00a0<\/p>\n

Ten things YOU should know as a car owner<\/h3>\n