New mobile phone laws come into force for drivers tomorrow, Friday, March 25. 

Drivers will face tougher rules when using mobile phones at the wheel. 

From March 25, handling a phone or mobile device from touching the screen to play a game or scrolling through a music app will be banned under the new rules.

Here's what you need to know: 

What you WON'T be able to do while driving from March 25

  • illuminating the screen
  • checking the time
  • checking notifications
  • unlocking the device
  • making, receiving, or rejecting a telephone or internet based call
  • sending, receiving or uploading oral or written content
  • sending, receiving or uploading a photo or video
  • utilising camera, video, or sound recording functionality
  • drafting any text
  • accessing any stored data such as documents, books, audio files, photos, videos, films, playlists, notes or messages
  • accessing an application
  • accessing the internet

What's the penalty? 

Drivers caught using their phone or other mobile hand-held device for any of the reasons above face a £200 fine and six points on their licence from March 25.

Are there any exceptions? 

The only exceptions are to make an emergency call when it is not possible to pull over and to make a contactless payment at a toll or drive-thru.

Can I still use my sat-nav? 

Using a phone as a sat-nav will still be permitted if it is secured in a holder and hands-free calls will also be allowed.

What has Dorset Police said? 

Dorset Police Inspector Craig Tatton, of the traffic unit, said: “Nothing is more important than your safety and the safety of other road users and, while you think you can get away with it, it is vital that drivers realise they could kill someone.

“You can’t use a phone to communicate in any way at the wheel and even if you are using it legally, you can still be prosecuted if it can be proved that you were not in proper control of your vehicle."

What has the AA said? 

Edmund King, AA president, said: “The AA has long campaigned to toughen up these rules, and we welcome this announcement.

“This is a much needed upgrade of the law to help make our roads safer. Mobile phones offer many distractions and this sends a clear message that picking them up to use them will not be tolerated.

“The law will also become tougher as the use of smartwatches, tablets and laptops behind the wheel will apply.

“Drivers will be extremely limited on when they can pick up their phone, mainly to call the emergency services when there was no opportunity to safely pull over and to make contactless payments at drive-thrus.

"Being sat in a traffic jam or waiting at the lights is not an excuse, we want people to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.”