Mobile phones are pretty much essential if you want to get by in the modern world. You can practically run your entire life from a smartphone and they’re an integral part of the in-car entertainment experience in the vast majority of new cars.
There are a vast number of accessories and apps designed to help you get the best of out your phone while driving, but you need to do so within the UK’s particularly tight laws on using a phone while driving.
Here, you’ll find the collective knowledge of the Parkers team to answer all your driving-related mobile phone questions and needs. From what the law says to how to keep your phone secure in your car, we’ve covered everything you need to know.
The dos and don’ts of using a phone while driving
It has been illegal in the UK to make calls using a hand-held phone while driving for over 20 years. Since then, the vast majority of cars sold have Bluetooth. So the first ‘do’ is to connect your phone to your car’s Bluetooth and always use it to make and receive calls. If your car doesn’t have built-in Bluetooth, you can fit an aftermarket receiver, or use a headset.
Similarly, always connect your phone to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, if your car has it. You can make and receive calls, stream audio and use some of your favourite apps from the car’s central screen.
The biggest ‘don’t’ is touching your phone while driving. UK law was tightened up in 2023 and it’s now illegal to handle or touch your phone in any way while you’re behind the steering wheel and the ignition is on. Even if it’s mounted in a phone holder.
While using earbuds when driving isn’t illegal in the UK, it’s wise to only use one in your left ear. That’s because you’ll be better able to hear what’s going on outside the car with your right ear. Never use two earbuds – you’re effectively cutting out sounds from outside the car.
And never, ever make videos calls or watch videos while driving. It’s extremely distracting and could get you prosecuted for dangerous driving.
Can I use my phone hands-free while driving?
Yes, you can. So long as your phone is connected to the car’s Bluetooth, or a Bluetooth receiver, you can make and receive calls while driving. Connecting your phone to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or MirrorLink also allows you to use certain apps via your car’s infotainment system.
What is the penalty for using a mobile phone while driving?
Since the law was changed in 2023, if you get caught using your phone while driving you face a fine of £200 plus six penalty points on your licence. So you only need to get caught twice to be banned from driving for six months. If you’re judged to have used your phone in a particularly dangerous way, you could be charged with driving without due care and attention, or even dangerous driving.
Can I have my phone in my hand while driving?
No. Since the law was tightened up in 2023, it’s illegal to have your phone in your hand, or even just touch it, while driving. But it’s not just driving that’s covered. Basically, you can’t have your phone in your hand while you’re sat in the driver’s seat and the engine – or even the ignition – is turned on.
When did it become illegal to use a phone while driving?
It has been an offence to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving in the UK since 2003. In 2023, the law was changed to make it illegal to touch your phone in any way while driving.
How to get the best out of your smartphone while driving
Parkers’ experts explain everything you need to know about the in-car technologies that allow you to use your phone’s functionality while driving.
What is Bluetooth?
Understanding how to connect your phone to your car and what to do when it won’t work.
What is Apple CarPlay?
Understanding how to sync your iPhone to your car and use its functionality via the infotainment system.
What is Android Auto?
Understanding how to sync your Android phone to your car and use its functionality via the infotainment system.
What is MirrorLink?
Understanding how to sync your phone to your car and use its functionality via the infotainment system, using this generic connection software.
How to play music from your phone in the car
Parkers explains how to stream music from your phone to your car’s speakers via the built-in infotainment system.
What is wireless charging?
Understanding how to charge your phone without cables in your car.
How to secure your phone and accessories while driving
Parkers’ experts highlight the best products for securing and using your phone while driving.
Best car phone holders
Parkers recommends the best products for keeping your phone safe and secure in your car.
Best car Bluetooth devices
Parkers recommends the best products that allow you to make and receive Bluetooth calls in a car that doesn’t have it built in.
Best magnetic car phone holders
Parkers recommends the best space-saving products for securing your phone in your car.
The best USB to USB-C adapters for cars
Parkers recommends the best products for connecting your car’s USB port to your phone’s USB-C port.
The best car USB chargers
Parkers recommends the best products for charging your phone in your car when it doesn’t have any built-in USB ports.
The best power banks for your car
Parkers recommends the best products to keep in your car as a back-up power supply for your phone.
The best apps and devices to make your journeys smoother
Parkers’ experts highlight the best car-related apps and connected devices that can help you stay safe on the road.
Read car reviews and find your next car to buy or lease on the Parkers app, available from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Best sat nav apps
Parkers recommends the best sat nav apps to use on your phone while driving.
Advice for van drivers using smartphone navigation
Parkers highlights changes in the law that could catch out van drivers and land them with a hefty fine.
Adding Wi-Fi to your car
Parkers recommends the best products for adding a Wi-Fi hotspot to your car, so you don’t have to use mobile data and rely on signal coverage.
Thinkware Q1000 connected dashcam review
Parkers reviews one of the best connected dashcams that connects to your smartphone, allowing you control the camera and view footage.
How to use a mobile phone as a dash cam
Parkers explains how to use your phone’s ability to capture video as a substitute dash cam.
A guide to car trackers
Parkers recommends the best car trackers that allow you to keep tabs on your car’s location from your phone.
Just so you know, we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website - read why you should trust us.
