New research reveals MILLIONS flout mobile phone driving ban despite fines and points risk
- Perry Richardson
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
Around 7.5 million UK drivers have admitted to illegally using a mobile phone while driving, according to new research from MoneySuperMarket, highlighting ongoing compliance and road safety concerns across the sector.
The nationwide survey found that 18% of motorists knowingly use their handheld phone while driving, despite strict legal prohibitions. A further 26% said they check messages, notifications or adjust music while stationary in traffic or at traffic lights, behaviour that also falls foul of UK driving laws.
The findings point to a persistent gap between awareness and behaviour among drivers, with implications for insurers, regulators and road safety stakeholders. The use of handheld devices remains a key enforcement priority for police, particularly as distraction-related incidents continue to contribute to collisions.
Among drivers who admitted to using their phone at the wheel, 34% said they had received penalty points on their licence. Nearly one in ten, 8%, reported being handed a driving ban as a result of mobile phone offences, underlining the seriousness of enforcement outcomes.
Insurance costs rise sharply for drivers with mobile phone offences as millions continue risky behaviour on UK roads
Under current UK legislation, motorists caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving face a £200 fine and six penalty points. For new drivers, the consequences are more severe, as accumulating six points within two years of passing a test results in automatic licence revocation and the requirement to retake both theory and practical exams.
Beyond legal penalties, the research highlights a significant financial impact on motorists through higher insurance premiums. MoneySuperMarket data shows that drivers with a CU80 mobile phone offence paid an average annual premium of £1,095.54 in 2025. This compares with £745.06 for drivers with no offences, creating a difference of roughly £350 per year.
The increase reflects how insurers assess risk, with penalty points and driving convictions signalling a higher likelihood of future claims. For commercial drivers, including those in the taxi and private hire sectors, such cost increases can materially affect operating margins and business viability.
Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “The law is clear that touching or using a handheld mobile phone at any point while you’re behind the wheel is illegal.
“Smart watches are treated in a similar way. If you’re found to be using one while in control of a vehicle, it could lead to six penalty points and a £200 fine.
“Beyond the legal implications, a mobile phone conviction can stay on your driving record and may lead to higher car insurance costs, as insurers often take driving offences into account when assessing risk.”
