HUNGRY drivers who use their mobile phones while they’re queuing at any fast food drive-thru could risk being pulled over and fined.
Here we look at mobile laws and if it’s illegal to pay with a phone at a drive-thru.
Is it illegal to use my phone to pay with at a drive-through?
Motorists queuing at any drive thru, whether it be McDonald’s, KFC or Costa, must remember that the laws against using mobile phones while driving still apply.
It’s something many motorists wouldn’t even think about.
In the UK, it is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving.
The law applies even if you’re stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, or driving a car that turns off the engine when you stop moving.
One in 10 Brits are now estimated to use their phone to pay for items at drive-thru’s or petrol stations.
But once behind the wheel, using a phone in any capacity is illegal.
Anyone caught using their mobile while their engine is running faces a penalty.
And that’s still the case even if the car is stationary.
road laws
Can I be fined for using my phone?
Under the law, those seen holding a phone while driving– even if the car isn’t moving – will be handed six penalty points and a £200 fine straight away.
That’s double the £100 fine and three points previously in force.
For drivers who only passed their test in the last two years, getting six points means their licence will be revoked altogether, and they’ll need to take another test.
What does the current law state?
In order to use a phone legally at the wheel, the engine must be off, with the handbrake on.
That means that anyone using their phone or a similar device in traffic is also breaking the law.
Cops say Brits can only use their phones in a vehicle if calling 999 during an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop.
Otherwise, a driver must be safely parked.
And the law is in force when a motorist is on private land – including, for example, car parks, drive-thrus and petrol stations.
For those not behind the wheel, or parked safely, Apple Pay can be used by holding an iPhone or Apple Watch up to a contactless payment terminal.
In order to use the app, the customers will need to add credit or debit card payment details to the Wallet app.
Once that’s done, all they need to do is hold their iPhone up to the terminal with a finger on the Touch ID button.
Most Common Illegal Driving Activities
Here's a list of reckless driving behaviour and the fines and penalties you risk getting from it.
- Using phone while driving
Cheeky glance at a phone screen will result in six penalty points on your licence and a £200 fine
New drivers might lose their licence if caught doing so within two years of obtaining it - Speeding
Lovers of fast and furious will end up with minimum three points and £100 fine - Running a red light
This offence will incur three points and £100 fine - Middle lane hogging
It constitutes careless driving and police will hand you out a £100 fine with three penalty points - Undertaking
This could possibly result in three points on your license and a £100 fine