{"id":5618,"date":"2015-03-10T09:02:34","date_gmt":"2015-03-10T09:02:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/cardiffian.jomec.co.uk\/?p=5618"},"modified":"2015-03-10T09:02:34","modified_gmt":"2015-03-10T09:02:34","slug":"driving-on-mobile-phones-know-the-law","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/thecardiffian\/2015\/03\/10\/driving-on-mobile-phones-know-the-law\/","title":{"rendered":"Driving on mobile phones: Know the law"},"content":{"rendered":"

As new drug-driving legislation was introduced throughout Wales at the beginning of this month, The Cardiffian explores mobile phone use while driving.
\nMotorists are four times more likely to crash if they are using a mobile phone while driving and reaction times are around 50 per cent slower than normal driving.
\nLast year 1,404 fixed penalty notices were issued by South Wales Police to people using their mobile phones while driving.
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Number of FPN’s issued by South Wales Police last year<\/a> | Create infographics<\/a><\/div>\n

The law.<\/span><\/strong>
\nIt is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone or any similar device while driving or riding a motorcycle, even if you are stopped at traffic lights.
\nThis includes using a mobile phone to follow a map, read or write a text or to check social media.
\nThe penalty.<\/span><\/strong>
\nDrivers can face an automatic fixed penalty notice of \u00a3100 and three penalty points on their licence.
\nIn some cases drivers can be taken to court and could be disqualified from driving and be issued a fine of up to \u00a31,000. Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could face a maximum fine of \u00a32,500.
\nIn extreme cases motorists can face imprisonment of up to two years.
\nNew drivers.<\/span><\/strong>
\nNew drivers can lose their licence if they receive six or more penalty points within two years of passing their test.
\nHands-free devices.<\/span><\/strong>
\nHands-free devices and sat-navs can be used when driving but motorists can still be prosecuted if police believe they are not properly in control of the vehicle.
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