A tougher new law around using handheld mobile phones while
driving is being proposed by Infrastructure Minister in a bid to make our roads
safer.
A 12-week public consultation on the legislation - which would
make it illegal to use a handheld mobile while driving for
activities like taking photos or videos, scrolling through
playlists or playing games – begins today and runs until 14th
August 2025.
Minister Kimmins said: “It has been against the law in
the north since 2004 to drive while using a handheld mobile phone
or similar device. The offence attracts a £200 fine and six
penalty points.
“However, use of mobile technology has changed, and we
now need to target those individuals who think it is okay to take
photos, videos or scroll on their phone while they are driving a
vehicle.
“Driving is a complex activity requiring a driver's full
attention and the consequences of a lapse in attention behind the
wheel could last a lifetime. The statistics show
that inattention is a causation factor in the majority of
collisions which result in death or serious injury.
“Road safety is a priority for me, just as it should be
for all of us as a society. The number of people losing their
lives on our roads is of great concern. Each death leaves many
families, friends and communities devastated.
“We all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way
that keeps ourselves and others safe. Holding and using a mobile
phone for any purpose while driving should not be an option for a
driver using our roads.”
The use of other handheld devices while driving which are capable
of interactive communication, such as tablets, electronic
notepads, gaming equipment etc, would also be captured by the
revised offence, regardless of whether they are online or
off-line.
The consultation, which is now open and closes on 14th August
2025, is part of the Department for Infrastructure's Road Safety
Strategy Action Plan.
Sadly, 69 people lost their lives on our roads in 2024. Hundreds
of people were also seriously injured. So far this year
17 people have lost their lives on our roads.
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the Police
Service of Northern Ireland's Operational Support Department
said: “Reducing road deaths and serious injury on our roads is a
priority for The Police Service, and we are continually working
to remind drivers of the responsibility they share to keep
everyone on our roads safe.
“Using your mobile phone while driving is one of the Fatal Five,
the main reasons people are dying on our roads. We ask motorists
to follow our advice every time they get behind the wheel of a
car - don't drink or take drugs and drive; slow down, don't be
careless, always wear your seat belt and stay off your phone.
“The harsh reality is that a moment's distraction, taking your
eye off the road to look at your phone, or to use your phone
while driving, can end in tragedy. It's simply not worth it.
Nothing is that important that it can't wait. If we all follow
advice relating to the Fatal Five, there will be fewer collisions
and lives on our roads will be saved.”
The consultation can be accessed via Citizen Space on the NI
Direct website via the following linkhttps://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/using-a-mobile-phone-while-driving-the-law
or alternatively at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/using-mobile-phone-while-driving-consultation-changing-law
Notes to editors:
- The Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 was
launched by the Department for Infrastructure in 2024. The
consultation forms part of the strategy's action plan for
2024/25.
