70,000 drivers penalised for using their phone while driving

More than 70,000 drivers across the UK were penalised between 2023 and 2025, according to data obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request by Confused.com.

The offence carries a £200 fine and up to six penalty points on a driving licence.

Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, 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.”

Hotspots for drivers using their mobile phones

The highest number of fines were issued by Greater Manchester Police, with 11,987 penalties totalling more than £2.3 million.

Police Scotland handed out 7,107 fines, amounting to £1,421,400, and the Metropolitan Police issued 7,000 fines, equivalent to £1.4 million.

Enforcement peaked in 2024, with 27,712 drivers fined in that year alone.

Despite the strict penalties, mobile phone use behind the wheel remains widespread.

A separate OnePoll.com survey found that 59% of drivers admitted to using their phone while driving, with those aged 25 to 44 most likely to do so. Of those, 54% admitted to the behaviour.

The survey revealed that 22% of drivers had physically held their phone while driving, and 37% had interacted with it for activities such as reading messages or adjusting apps.

The most common reasons for phone use were answering calls (42%) and using navigation apps (40%).

Nearly half of drivers (48%) said they felt comfortable using their phone when stationary at traffic lights or in standstill traffic.

A further 26% admitted to using their phone in start-stop traffic.

A spokesperson for Confused.com said: “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.”

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

The fine for using a mobile phone while driving can rise to £1,000 if the driver is prosecuted.

Most drivers who had been caught admitted to being penalised twice on average for the offence.