The worst UK regions for phone use while driving

Think a quick glance at your phone is harmless? New data reveals the UK regions where drivers are most likely to be fined, and the habits behind it.

Summer means more time on the road. Think weekend getaways, days out, longer evenings behind the wheel. And with that extra driving comes something else too: more temptation to glance at your phone.

Navigation apps, calls, message notifications, it all feels harmless. Especially when traffic slows, or you’re stationary at the lights. But new research based on Freedom of Information (FOI) data from UK police forces shows just how widespread mobile phone use while driving still is and where it’s happening most.

The headline figure is sobering. More than 70,000 motorists were fined between 2023 and 2025, with penalties totalling £14 million. And some regions stand out far more than others.

Where are mobile phone driving fines most common?

According to FOI data covering police enforcement across the UK, large metropolitan areas recorded the highest number of mobile phone driving penalties.

The worst‑affected regions include:

• Greater Manchester, which issued the highest number of fines overall
• Scotland, where enforcement levels were also high
• London, where dense traffic and stop‑start driving appear to play a role

Together, these regions accounted for tens of thousands of offences and millions of pounds in fines.

Enforcement peaked in 2024, when more than 27,000 drivers were penalised in a single year.

Why are drivers still using their phones?

Despite the law being in place for over 20 years, phone use behind the wheel has become normalised for many drivers. Survey data linked to the FOI findings highlights some clear patterns.

Drivers aged 25–44 were the most likely to admit using their phone while driving. Common reasons included:

• Answering calls
• Using navigation apps
• Reading or checking messages

Nearly half of drivers said they felt comfortable using their phone when stationary in traffic or at lights. There’s a common misconception here. Many drivers believe that if the car isn’t moving, the rules don’t apply. Unfortunately, that’s not true.

What is the law around using a phone while driving?

UK law is clear. It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving, and that includes when you’re:

• Stopped at traffic lights
• Sitting in a queue
• Stuck in start‑stop traffic
• Supervising a learner driver
• Driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving
• Holding and using a device that’s offline or in-flight mode

Hands‑free systems and mounted navigation apps are allowed, but even then, distraction can still be dangerous. If you need to adjust your phone, the safest (and legal) option is to pull over safely, switch off the engine, and then interact with your device.

Getting caught isn’t just inconvenient. It can have long‑term consequences. The standard penalty includes:

• £200 fine
• Six penalty points on your license
• If you passed your driving test in the last two years, you’ll lose your license

In more serious cases, fines can rise to £1,000, or £2,500 if you’re driving a lorry or bus.

Enforcement methods are also evolving. While most offences are still spotted by police officers, AI camera technology is increasingly being used to detect phone use behind the wheel.

What does this mean for your insurance?

Mobile phone use while driving increases the risk of accidents, and insurers take that seriously. If you’re involved in a collision and phone use is a factor, it can affect your claim outcome, your future premiums and your insurability altogether.

At Howden, we believe insurance should help you move forward, not catch you out. That means making sure you understand your cover, your responsibilities, and the risks worth avoiding.

Find your nearest Howden branch to speak to your local team of insurance experts.