Is it illegal to use your mobile phone as a sat nav? Plus can you be fined for using Waze & Google Maps incorrectly?

FOLLOWING a map on your mobile phone like a sat nav can be a handy way of getting around — but it can be risky too.

Here’s everything you need to know about the legality of using apps like Google Maps and Waze whilst driving.

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Is it illegal to use your mobile phone as a sat nav?

It is not illegal to use your mobile as a sat nav providing you are doing so correctly.

However, if you are found to be breaking any of the rules around using a mobile phone in a car, it does become illegal and you risk getting a significant fine as well as potentially even losing your driving licence.

Rule 149 of the Highway Code states that drivers must exercise proper control of their cars at all times.

With around 39% of Brits admitting to using navigation technology on their smartphones rather than built-in car sat navs, it has never been more important to get clued up on the laws around this.

How can you use your mobile phone as a sat nav?

Drivers can legally use Google Maps or Waze on a mobile phone if it is in hands-free mode and is in a fixed position.

This means that you cannot hold a the device in your hand; it must be attached to the car’s dashboard or windscreen and controlled by voice command.

The phone must also not be obstructing your view of the road in any way once mounted, as this alone can still carry a fine.

From March 25, 2022, using a mobile phone or any other handheld device for any purpose while driving became a punishable offence.

Contrary to what many people think, this still applies even if you are stationary at lights or stuck in traffic.

Exceptions to the rule include calling the emergency services when unable to stop and making a contactless payment at a drive thru while the car isn’t moving.

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If drivers wish to turn off or otherwise use devices with hands-free access (such as to change directions), they must pull over and park up safely to operate the device legally.

A spokesman for the AA said: “It should be programmed with the route before you set off.

“If you need to re-programme the route then pull over and stop somewhere safe to do it.”

What is the fine for incorrectly using your phone as a sat nav?

If you are caught using your phone as a sat nav while it is in your hand, you will get a fine of at least £200.

This can go up to a maximum of £1,000 under certain circumstances if your vehicle is a car.

You will also get 6 penalty points on your licence, so drivers who passed their test less than two years go will get banned from driving as a result.

Even if your mobile is in a holder, you can get 3 penalty points if it is found to be blocking your view.

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