Can I use my phone as a sat nav while driving?
Yes — but only in a holder, and only if you never pick it up or touch it while driving. Since the March 2022 tightening of Regulation 110, it's illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or any data-capable device while driving, for any reason, online or offline. Using your phone as a sat nav is legal provided it's in a cradle or mount (or controlled by voice) and you never hold it. The mounted device must not block your view of the road ahead, and you must stay in full control — police can still act if a mounted device distracts you. The ban applies at traffic lights, in queues, while supervising a learner, and with stop-start engines — even in flight mode. In short: yes as a mounted sat nav, never in your hand.
📋 The rules
- Legal as a sat nav in a cradle/mount
- Never hold or touch the phone while driving
- Holding it is illegal for any reason (since 2022)
- The mount must not block your view
- The ban applies at lights and in traffic too
🔓 Exceptions
- Calling 999/112 in a genuine emergency when unsafe to stop
- Using a device when safely parked (engine off / properly stopped)
- Holding the phone for a contactless payment while stationary
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Holding and using a device while driving carries 6 penalty points and a £200 fixed penalty. New drivers (who passed within 2 years) have their licence revoked, because 6 points in that period triggers revocation. In court, you can face a ban and a fine up to £1,000 (£2,500 for lorry or bus drivers). Separately, not having a clear view or proper control of the vehicle is 3 points. Beware a myth: "I can pick up my phone at red lights or in traffic" is false — the law explicitly applies then; you can only handle the phone when safely parked (or for the narrow emergency, contactless-payment or remote-parking exceptions). To stay legal: set your route before you set off, mount the phone where it doesn't block your view, and use voice control only.
📎 Official sources
- GOV.UK — using mobile phones when driving: the law →
- GOV.UK — new drivers and penalty points →
- Commons Library — mobile phone driving law →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I use my phone as a sat nav?
Yes, as long as it's secured in a cradle or mount and you don't hold or touch it while driving. You can follow on-screen directions and use voice control, but you mustn't pick it up to type a destination or tap the screen on the move. The mount also mustn't block your view of the road.
Is it illegal to just hold my phone while driving?
Yes. Since March 2022, it's illegal to hold and use a phone or similar device while driving for any reason at all — whether to call, text, take a photo, change music or check a map. The law applies even when you're stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic with the engine running.
Can I touch my phone at red lights?
No. The ban on holding a phone applies while you're driving, and in law that includes being stopped at red lights or stationary in a traffic queue with the engine on. You can only handle your phone when you're safely parked with the engine off, or in the narrow emergency and contactless-payment exceptions.
What's the penalty for using a handheld phone?
Holding and using a phone while driving carries six penalty points and a £200 fixed penalty notice. If it goes to court, you could be banned and fined up to £1,000, or £2,500 for drivers of lorries or buses. Drivers who passed their test within the last two years lose their licence entirely.
Can I set up my sat nav before I drive?
Yes. The safest and lawful approach is to enter your destination and set the route while you're safely parked with the engine off, before you set off. Once you're driving, leave the phone in its mount and rely on the on-screen and spoken directions, or use voice commands, rather than touching the device.
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