British motorists fined more than £14m for using phone while driving

Using a mobile while driving was made illegal in 2003

Using a handheld mobile while driving was made illegal in 2003 and carries a typical fine of £200 and up to six penalty points.

But Freedom of Information data covering the entirety of 2023 to 2025, obtained by Confused.com, reveals thousands of motorists are still flouting the law.

Greater Manchester Police issued the most fines, handing out 11,987 penalties, costing drivers more than £2.3million in that region alone. 

Police Scotland followed with 7,107 fines totalling £1,421,400, while the Metropolitan Police issued 7,000 equating to £1,400,000.

Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at the comparison website, said: “Using your mobile phone when driving is not only illegal, but it can be dangerous for people in the car, on the roads, and pedestrians.

“While it could seem innocent to quickly go on your phone if your car is in traffic or at a standstill, it’s not worth the risk.

“Many are unaware of the consequences, and when it’s considered illegal to use their phone behind the wheel.”

The Freedom of Information request also found enforcement peaked in 2024, when 27,712 drivers were fined in a single year.

Despite the penalties, phone use behind the wheel remained widespread, with a separate OnePoll.com survey finding 59 per cent of drivers admitted to using their mobile while driving.

Those aged between 25 to 44 were the most likely to do so with 54 per cent revealing this behaviour.

The research found 22 per cent had physically held their phone, while 37 per cent interacted with their device, such as reading messages or adjusting apps.

Common reasons for phone use included answering calls (42 per cent) and using navigation apps (40 per cent).

While 23 per cent used their phone to make a call, in the case of an emergency, and to read a text.

In addition, drivers said they felt comfortable using their mobile phone when the car was stationary at traffic lights and in a standstill queue (48 per cent). 

Over a quarter (26 per cent) admitted to using their phone in start-stop traffic. 

While 22 per cent felt it appropriate to go on their phone quickly, and when they felt they wouldn’t get distracted.

Motorists who had been caught said they had been penalised twice on average for phone use while driving.

Yet 84 per cent said they had never been caught, despite the offence carrying six penalty points and fines that can rise to £1,000 if prosecuted.

Most offenders were spotted by a police officer (81 per cent), while 26 per cent were caught by AI camera technology.

A spokesperson for Confused.com, added: “The findings showed phone use had become a routine habit for many drivers.

“While you are allowed to use your phone for navigation, it is a legal requirement to pull over wherever it is safe and turn off the engine if you need to make adjustments. 

“Otherwise, even touching your phone can result in receiving fines or points.” 

Top five areas in uK for police fines for using a mobile (2023-2025)

Greater Manchester Police, 11,987 fines totalling £2,397,400

Scotland Police, 7,107 fines totalling £1,421,400

Metropolitan Police, 7,000 fines totalling £1,400,000

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police, 6,322 fines totalling £1,264,400

Surrey Police, 5,145 fines totalling £1,029,000