Drivers are being warned about the rules in place at drive-thru restaurants which could result in fines of up to £1,000 and penalty points if breached.
According to the Highway Code, it’s illegal to hold and use a mobile phone for texting, making calls, taking photos or videos, or browsing the web, while behind the wheel of a car. This rule still applies when you’re stopped at traffic lights, stuck in traffic, supervising a learner driver, driving a car that turns off the engine when stationary, and holding and using a device that’s offline or in flight mode.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule, reports BirminghamLive. You’re allowed to use a handheld device in some circumstances.
You can use a handheld device if:
you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
you’re safely parked.
you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-thru restaurant.
you’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely.
The team at Select Car Leasing, as part of their UK Drive-Thru Index, have offered advice on what the current Highway Code says when it comes to drive-thrus. Graham Conway, managing director at Select Car Leasing, warned: “Stopping by a drive-thru can be a quick and convenient way to grab a tasty meal or drink, but drivers should be aware that they could land a six-point penalty and a massive fine when using their phone, while the engine is running.
“In addition to calling or texting, this law also applies to using phones to take photos or videos, playing games, or scrolling through playlists at the drive-thru. Drivers will however still be able to continue using a ‘hands-free’ device, such as sat-nav, if it’s secured.”
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