Driving & Devices : Staying Compliant with Rule 149

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Highway Code Rule 149

📖 Rule 149 Full Regulations & Explanation

Rule 149 ↗
You MUST exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. You MUST NOT use a hand-held mobile phone, or similar device, capable of interactive communication (such as a tablet) for any purpose when driving or when supervising a learner driver. This ban covers all use of a hand-held interactive communication device and it applies even when the interactive communication capability is turned off or unavailable. You MUST NOT pick up the phone or similar device while driving to dial a number and then put it in the cradle for the duration of the conversation. You MUST NOT pick up and use your hand-held phone or similar device while stationary in traffic.

There is an exception to call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop. There is also an exception if you are using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device to make a contactless payment at a contactless payment terminal. Your vehicle MUST be stationary, and the goods or services MUST be received at the same time as, or after, the contactless payment.

Never use a hand-held microphone when driving. Using hands-free equipment is also likely to distract your attention from the road. It is far safer not to use any telephone or similar device while you are driving or riding - find a safe place to stop first or use the voicemail facility and listen to messages later.

You may park your vehicle using a handheld remote control app or device. The app or device MUST be legal, and you should not put other people in danger when you use it.

Laws RTA 1988 sects 2 & 3, & CUR regs 104 & 110

Text shown in the rule image

Driving & Devices : Staying Compliant with Rule 149

THE UNIVERSAL BAN

Hand - held Device Prohibition

You MUST NOT use a hand - held mobile phone or similar interactive device ( like a tablet ) for any purpose while driving or supervising a learner .

Applies Even When Offline

The ban applies to hand - held devices even if the interactive communication capability is currently turned off or unavailable .

No Use in Stationary Traffic

You are legally prohibited from picking up and using a hand - held device while stationary in traffic queues or at lights .

The " Cradle " You MUST NOT Rule pick up a device to dial a number and then place it in a cradie ; the device must not be picked up at all while driving .

LEGAL EXCEPTIONS

Emergency Situations

You may call 999 or 112 in a genuine emergency if it is unsafe or impractical to stop the vehicle .

Contactless Payments

Hand - held use is permitted for contactless payments at terminals if the vehicle is stationary and goods / services are received immediately .

Remote Control Parking

Drivers may use a legal handheld remote control app or device to park the vehicle , provided it does not endanger others .

SAFETY GUIDANCE & LAW

Hands - Free Distractions: While legal , using hands - free equipment is still likely to distract your attention from the road and should be avoided .

The Safest Protocol Find a safe place to stop first or let calls go to voicemail and listen to messages later rother than using a device while riding or driving .

Governing Legislation

These rules are enforced under Road Traffic Act 1888 sections 2 & 3 , and CUR regulations 104 & 110 .