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  • Open consultation Using a Mobile Phone While Driving – Consultation on Changing the Law

    Topics:
    • Road users, 
    • Safe and Sustainable Travel Division

    Consultation closes 14 August 2025, 5.00 pm

    Summary

    The Department for Infrastructure is seeking your views on a proposal to change the law in Northern Ireland surrounding the use of hand-held mobile phones while driving.

    Documents

    • Using a Mobile Phone While Driving – Consultation Adobe PDF (639 KB)
    • Using a Mobile Phone While Driving - Response Form Microsoft Word (27 KB)

    Help viewing documents

    Consultation description

    The consultation proposes to amend legislation so it will be illegal to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving for virtually any use, including taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists or playing games.  The use of hand-held devices capable of interactive communication, such as tablets, electronic notepads, gaming equipment etc, would be captured by the revised offence, regardless of whether they are online or off-line.

    A new exemption from the offence is also considered as part of the consultation along with proposals to update the Highway Code should the legislative change proceed.

    You are invited to access the document and respond online using the link below.

    Alternatively, you can complete the Response Form provided and return it to either of the addresses below.

    Ways to respond

    Respond online
    Email:
    roaduserpolicybranch@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
    Write to:
    Mobile Phone Consultation Responses
    Driving, Vehicle & Road Safety Policy Division
    Department for Infrastructure
    James House (3rd Floor)
    2-4 Cromac Street
    Gasworks
    Belfast BT7 2JB
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