Law for using a device for UK Drivers
Please note:
It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle. This means you must not use a device in your hand for any reason, whether online or offline. For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web.
The law still applies to you if you’re:
- stopped at traffic lights
- queuing in 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
Exceptions
You can use a device held in your hand if:
- you need to call 999 or 112 in an emergency and it’s unsafe or impractical to stop
- you’re safely parked
- you’re making a contactless payment in a vehicle that is not moving, for example at a drive-through restaurant
- you’re using the device to park your vehicle remotely
Using devices hands-free
You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage. Hands-free access means using, for example:
- a Bluetooth headset
- voice command
- a dashboard holder or mat
- a windscreen mount
- a built-in sat nav
The device must not block your view of the road and traffic ahead.
See more here: Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving – GOV.UK
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Top 10 Driving Apps That Are A Must For 2023
Phones are an integral part of our lives and not just for communicating. Now, by downloading the right apps, your phone can quickly become the perfect driving companion, whether it be for work or pleasure.
Here at Quest Motor Group, we’ve put together a list of the best IOS and Android apps that will make driving a breeze in 2023.
1. Waze
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: Yes
Waze has made a huge impact in the world of navigation. It’s chosen by many as their go to mobile navigation app to use in their car and not just for it’s route planning abilities.
It also gives users information on real-time traffic conditions, speed cameras and accidents. Other road users can report why there may be extensive traffic, allowing other IOS and Android App users to always be aware of what’s going on around them and plan their routes efficiently.
We all know how frustrating it can be when we get held up on a journey and we have no idea why or how long it will take. Waze users cut out the unknown and allow you to understand why you’ve been held up and how long it may take to get moving again.
2. Smart Dash Cam
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: No
Over recent years, dash cams have become a must have gadget for many road users. They record all you see and they are even admissible in court as evidence. Another bonus of dash cams is that many insurance companies lower annual payments for road users with one.
However, many road users are yet to make the purchase because they can be quite costly, which is where the free Smart Dash App comes in.
The Smart Dash Cam transforms your phone into a dash cam – a great alternative to the otherwise costly option of a physical dash cam and available on both IOS and Android.
3. Petrol Prices
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: No
We all know that buying fuel is one of the most expensive parts of owning a car and so we often want to choose a garage that has cheaper fuel. But how can you stay on top of this when fuel prices are constantly changing?
Petrol Prices is a handy app that notifies you of the cheapest petrol garages near your location. Sign up for alerts and you’ll get notified of the cheapest option per week, helping you to keep your fuel costs as low as possible!
4. Just Park
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: No
Finding a parking space can be stressful, especially if you’re driving in surroundings you’re unfamiliar with. JustPark is the solution – allowing you to find and reserve parking spaces easily and available on both IOS and Android.
Not only can you search and pay for a space in-app but you can choose from a variety of options including both car parks and private driveways – available on both IOS and Android.
What’s more, if you’re looking to earn a little bit of extra money, you can even list your parking space on the app – perfect if you live in a desirable location and have a spare space or two.
5. Find My Parked Car
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: No
We’ve all been there haven’t we? Wandering around the car park trying to figure out where on earth you left your car?
The Find My Car App relives you of the panic by using simple GPS location services. The app allows you to save the location of your car – it even gives you the option to take a picture of your parking spot, set an alarm for when your ticket runs out and more!
6. PlugShare
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: No
Have you gone electric yet? PlugShare is a handy new app, available on both IOS and Android, that shows you the nearest charging stations for electric cars – particularly handy if you’re new to all things electric.
So if you notice your battery starting to run out, just check out PlugShare for the closest charging point to you!
7. MileIQ
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: No
Do you find yourself driving a lot of miles for business purposes and struggling to keep track of all the journeys covered?
We know that keeping track of mileage is a pain, especially when you need to get your driving expenses correct – and that’s where MileIQ comes in.
Using your phone’s clock and GPS to automatically track each of your journeys, the app logs start and stop times as well as total miles driven and you can even define the reimbursement rate per mile.
Categorize business or personal trips with a simple swipe, export to a spreadsheet and job done!
8. CityMapper
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: No
Public transport is a big part of many peoples lives, and not just in the cities close to home. How many times have you jetted off to explore a new city, only to be stressed and confused by their public transport systems?
If you simply want to know how to get from one area to another, how regularly the transport is running and how much the journey is likely to cost you, then Citymapper is the perfect app for you.
The app factors in bus, train, underground, taxis and more ultimately calculating the fastest and cheapest route for you whether you’re in a city you know or not.
Operating in major UK cities and European cities including London, Paris, Barcelona, Rome and more – you’re never likely to be left stranded!
Available on both IOS and Android, this app is perfect for travelling both at home and abroad!
9. Radarbot: Speed Camera Detector & Speedometer
Cost: Free
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: No
Radarbot is the perfect companion if you’re venturing on some longer journeys. It’s the only application that combines both real-time traffic alerts and speed camera detection, allowing you to stay confident and aware on the road.
It gives you complete peace of mind when driving, particularly to an unknown place. Available on both IOS and Android, it’s a must have for all journeys!
10. Spotify
Cost: Free + Premium Option
Available: IOS & Android
CarPlay Compatible: Yes
A must have app for those of you who like to listen to your own music on the go. Spotify gives you access to a fantastic library of more than 30 million songs on both Android and IOS devices. Free users can listen to playlists or albums on shuffle but with a limited number of skipped songs each day.
Alternatively, you could opt to be a premium member for £9.99 a month. This would give you the ability to like and download your favourite songs to play offline, as well as more custom features such as creating your own playlists.
Looking to sell your current car quickly and for a good price? Or looking for a reliable used car, check out our showroom
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