Consultation launched to tackle use of mobile phones while driving
Date published:
A tougher new law around using handheld mobile phones while driving is being proposed by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins in a bid to make our roads safer.
A 12-week public consultation on the legislation - which would make it illegal to use a handheld mobile while driving for activities like taking photos or videos, scrolling through playlists or playing games – begins today and runs until 14th August 2025.
Minister Kimmins said:
“It has been against the law in the north since 2004 to drive while using a hand-held mobile phone or similar device. The offence attracts a £200 fine and six penalty points.
“However, use of mobile technology has changed, and we now need to target those individuals who think it is okay to take photos, videos or scroll on their phone while they are driving a vehicle.
“Driving is a complex activity requiring a driver’s full attention and the consequences of a lapse in attention behind the wheel could last a lifetime. The statistics show that inattention is a causation factor in the majority of collisions which result in death or serious injury.
“Road safety is a priority for me, just as it should be for all of us as a society. The number of people losing their lives on our roads is of great concern. Each death leaves many families, friends and communities devastated.
“We all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe. Holding and using a mobile phone for any purpose while driving should not be an option for a driver using our roads.”
The use of other hand-held devices while driving which are capable of interactive communication, such as tablets, electronic notepads, gaming equipment etc, would also be captured by the revised offence, regardless of whether they are online or off-line.
The consultation, which is now open and closes on 14th August 2025 is part of the Department for Infrastructure’s Road Safety Strategy Action Plan.
Sadly, 69 people lost their lives on our roads in 2024. Hundreds of people were also seriously injured. So far this year 17 people have lost their lives on our roads.
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Operational Support Department said:
“Reducing road deaths and serious injury on our roads is a priority for The Police Service, and we are continually working to remind drivers of the responsibility they share to keep everyone on our roads safe.
“Using your mobile phone while driving is one of the Fatal Five, the main reasons people are dying on our roads. We ask motorists to follow our advice every time they get behind the wheel of a car - don’t drink or take drugs and drive; slow down, don’t be careless, always wear your seat belt and stay off your phone.
“The harsh reality is that a moment’s distraction, taking your eye off the road to look at your phone, or to use your phone while driving, can end in tragedy. It’s simply not worth it. Nothing is that important that it can’t wait. If we all follow advice relating to the Fatal Five, there will be fewer collisions and lives on our roads will be saved.”
The consultation can be accessed via Citizen Space on the NI Direct website via the following link https://consultations2.nidirect.gov.uk/dfi-1/using-a-mobile-phone-while-driving-the-law or alternatively at: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/consultations/using-mobile-phone-while-driving-consultation-changing-law
Notes to editors:
- The Road Safety Strategy for Northern Ireland to 2030 was launched by the Department for Infrastructure in 2024. The consultation forms part of the strategy’s action plan for 2024/25.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
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