While many of us use sat navs to navigate, particularly when we’re not familiar with our driving route, there are a few rules you need to pay attention to to ensure you don’t get lumped with a fine.
Taking to Reddit, one motorist asked: “Can you use your phone while it is mounted? Just wondering if it’s still illegal to use your phone while it’s mounted.
“Obviously I don’t mean scrolling on it, or going through apps, but if I need to confirm something on my GPS, am I allowed to tap it quickly? Or is that still considered phone use? I just want to know for future reference, like I said I’m specifically talking about tapping something once very quickly.”
However, government regulations clearly state that it’s illegal to hold and use any data-sending or receiving device, including phones, sat navs, and tablets, while driving or riding a motorcycle.
This includes making calls, sending texts, taking photos or videos, browsing the internet, and holding your sat nav. The law remains in effect even when stopped at traffic lights, stuck in traffic, supervising a learner driver, driving a car that automatically turns off the engine when stationary, and holding a device that’s offline or in flight mode.
Motorists are only exempt from this rule in specific situations, such as making an urgent 999 or 112 call when stopping is not feasible, or using a contactless payment method while stationary, like at a drive-through. Additionally, drivers can use electronic devices while safely parked or when utilising remote parking features.
However, those found using devices while driving may face six penalty points and a £200 fine. Furthermore, incorrectly positioning a sat nav can also lead to fines or penalty points. Although it is not against the law to place a sat nav in the centre of the windshield, obstructing your view can result in a £100 immediate fine and three penalty points, potentially increasing to £1,000 if contested in court. As stated by the government: “You’ll also lose your licence if you passed your driving test in the last two years.”
You can get three penalty points if you do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle. You can also be taken to court where you can be banned from driving or riding, and get a maximum fine of £1,000 (£2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus).
According to Halfords: “You should mount your Sat Nav in the bottom right corner of your windscreen to maximise your view of the road. If this isn’t possible, opt for the lowest point in the middle of the windscreen.
“Avoid placing the sat nav up high, as the cables can interfere with your vehicle controls. If you’re using your mobile phone as a sat nav, a car vent holder is great if you want to keep your windscreen clear.”