Where is the BEST PLACE for taxi and private hire drivers to mount a mobile phone to avoid fines and licence action?
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Taxi and private hire drivers are being urged to rethink where they place mobile phones and driver devices inside their vehicles, following guidance issued by Avon and Somerset Police and local licensing authorities warning that poor placement could lead to fines, penalty points and even the loss of a taxi licence.
Guidance issued by Avon and Somerset Police Taxi Compliance Officer PC Patrick Quinton states that drivers should avoid placing devices in positions that block their view of the road ahead.
The document warns that taxi and private hire drivers face increased scrutiny because of their licensed status. Even where a motoring offence results in relatively low-level penalties, councils may still review whether a driver remains a “fit and proper” person to hold a licence. The guidance states that a conviction for using a mobile phone while driving would normally prevent a licence being granted for a number of years.
The safest option, according to the guidance, is to avoid mounting devices in the windscreen or window area entirely. However, the document recognises that many taxi and private hire drivers rely on multiple devices for navigation, dispatch systems and communication with operators.
Taxi compliance guidance warns drivers over unsafe phone placement and distracted driving risks
Where windscreen mounting cannot be avoided, drivers are advised not to position devices within “Zone A” of the windscreen. This area is defined as a 290mm strip centred above the steering wheel. Devices should also never be mounted over airbags or in locations that could interfere with airbag deployment during a collision.
The guidance recommends mounting phones “low down on your windscreen to the far right” in order to maximise visibility of the road ahead. If that is not practical, drivers are advised to use “the lowest point in the middle of the windscreen”. The recommendation reflects Regulation 104 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986, which requires drivers to maintain a full view of the road and traffic ahead.
Drivers found to have an obstructed view could face three DVLA penalty points and a £100 fine. However, the risks increase substantially if a driver is considered not to be in proper control of the vehicle or is illegally using a hand-held phone.
The information sheet reiterates that it is illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving for any purpose, including while stationary in traffic or waiting at lights. The definition of “driving” can also extend to situations where a driver is parked with the engine running while waiting for passengers. The only exemptions listed are emergency 999 calls where stopping is unsafe, or when using a device to legally park a vehicle remotely.
Taxi and private hire drivers are still permitted to use phones in approved cradles or hands-free systems for functions such as accepting bookings or making calls. However, police warn that drivers can still commit offences if their use of a mounted device distracts them or prevents proper control of the vehicle.
Potential penalties include six DVLA points and a £200 fine under Regulation 110 of the Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. More serious cases involving careless or dangerous driving could result in discretionary disqualification and licensing consequences.
The guidance also applies to dashcams and other in-car technology. Cameras positioned in ways that obstruct the driver’s view may breach the same regulations.
Avon and Somerset Police additionally highlighted research showing that even legal hands-free phone use significantly increases crash risk because of cognitive distraction. The guidance therefore urges drivers not to use phones or devices at all while actively driving.
