using a mobile phone as a sat nav , legal ?

[galloot633]

With stricter laws regarding mobiles whilst driving, how does the law stand if you use your mobile as a sat nav ?
Dave

[Simon Jones]

Apparently, the same rules apply whether phone or sat nav i.e. you cannot touch it:

http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/mo...caught-9931996

Can you use your phone as a sat nav?

Yes – as long as you programme it before you start the car and set off and it's in a holder out of the 45-degree angle of the driver's view. You cant re-programme or touch it while in motion, the same rules apply for any sat nav.

[AngryScot]

The only thing that changed today was the penalties. The law is no more or less strict than it was yesterday.

Use as a sat nav is fine as long as you aren't driving along with it in your hand or prodding at it the whole time.

[NigelDay]

Guess that's why many sat navs have voice control.

[wimorrison]

It is reported in the press this morning that the first person to receive 6 points and be banned under the new penalty regime is a 19 year old driver who was using the phone as a SatNav. He was seen by the Police using the phone screen entering new destinations whilst the car was moving.

Seems a clear demonstration of the law to me.

[NigelDay]

So how does using a built-in touch screen sat nav work (like on my son's Passat) ? A grey area I think.

[volvoid]

I predict thet we will still see drivers on phone every time we venture out for some time to come.
People generally do as they please, they dont give a monkeys.
Plod is spread thinner than ever, may be concentrating on this for a week but will have to neglect other criminals to do so.

[Prufrock]

Just how often do you guys use a sat nav, are you always going to a place you've never been to before ?

I travel a great deal, yet feel no need for a sat nav.

Secondly, what is this need to be in contact when you're in the car ? I have a highly paid career yet I feel no need to be in touch 24/7 with colleagues. When I'm in the car the phone is in the console under the armrest...when I stop for a break (always every 45 minutes on a long drive) I check the phone then.

Appreciate this, if someone calls you on the mobile, and they know you're driving they are guilty of aiding and abetting you - if you're involved in an accident and the police attend first thing they'll do is check your mobile.

Personally if you feel the need to use the phone (as a sat nav or otherwise) in the car you're an idiot.

Jon.

[reggit]

I'll use the satnav on familiar journeys as it has live traffic and gives pre-warning and re-routes around any hold ups.

I also only check the works phone when I stop and make any phone calls then.

[tt82]

Well you learn something new everyday. I still thought it was ok to touch a phone, as long as it was in a holder.

Not that it's something I do though, like Jon my phone goes in the centre console straight away. Out of sight, out of mind!