Your mobile phone is a key piece of equipment when going on a delivery run. However, phones can also be major distractions for drivers and riders. Safe mobile phone use can save lives, so you should develop an understanding of the relevant rules to avoid danger to yourself and others.
It is important that you understand the laws covering mobile phone use while driving or riding on a scooter or bike. That way, you’ll avoid serious penalties, minimise crash risk and ensure your safety at all times.
What are the laws?
It is illegal in the UK to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving or riding a motorcycle. This includes:
Talking
Texting
Playing games
Taking photos/video
Using any other function on your phone.
The same rules apply for mobile phone usage while stopped at traffic lights, queuing, or supervising a learner driver.
You may only use a hand-held phone in or on your vehicle while parked with the engine off; whilst making a contactless payment when your vehicle isn’t moving, or to call the authorities in an emergency.
You may use a hands-free mobile provided it does not obstruct your view of the road ahead. It’s vital however, that you keep control of your vehicle at all times and you may face penalties if you are deemed to be distracted and driving dangerously.
What penalties can I face?
You can get 6 points on your licence and a £200 fine if you are using a hand-held mobile device while driving or riding a motorcycle. This means losing your licence if you passed your driving test in the last 24 months. You can also be taken to court, and fined up to £1,000 and/or be banned from driving or riding.
Not having full control of your vehicle, or having your view obscured can incur 3 penalty points.
I received a notification whilst in transit from Just Eat. What should I do?
Just Eat may occasionally send you notifications whilst you are in transit. When this occurs, it is essential that you pull over, off the road, when it is safe to do so, and park your vehicle prior to opening the notification. It is illegal to use your hand-held mobile phone while driving, including the Just Eat Courier app.
Just Eat has launched CarPlay to help you stay safer and more focused on the road. You’ll find more information on how to set this up in this article.
How can I use my phone safely and legally?
Avoid using your mobile phone illegally while driving by:
Pulling over safely and parking to make or receive a call.
Planning breaks in advance for phone calls during your trip
Telling family and friends not to call when you know you’ll be driving.
If you are using your phone hands free, warn callers you are driving and may have to end the call.
Avoid making calls in heavy traffic, poor road conditions or bad weather
Never look up phone numbers
Don’t read or send text messages
Don’t use smartwatches or other similar devices.
What about using a mobile phone while cycling?
Using a hand-held mobile device while cycling on an EAPC bike or pushbike is not illegal. However, it is not advisable from a safety perspective as it can cause you to be distracted in the same way as it does while driving.
It is also not sensible from a legal perspective, as the Highway Code states: ‘You MUST NOT ride in a dangerous, careless, or inconsiderate manner’. If mobile phone usage or distraction causes you to lose control of your vehicle or ride in a dangerous manner, you can face a fine of up to £2,500.
