The law
In Great Britain it is illegal to hold and use a handheld phone or similar device while driving, including when stopped at traffic lights or in queues. The penalties include a fine and penalty points, and professional drivers risk their vocational entitlements. Check GOV.UK for the current details.
What to put in your policy
- No handheld use while the vehicle is moving or the engine is running in traffic.
- Phones in a secure cradle for navigation only, set up before the journey.
- Calls only hands-free, and preferably not at all.
- No texting, email or app use while driving. Pull over safely.
- Employers should not expect drivers to answer calls while driving.
Vehicle checks and phones
The check is done before the journey, on foot, at the vehicle. Kovi is designed to be used while parked, by scanning the QR code, ticking and finishing. Drivers should never use it while driving.
Back it up
Brief drivers, get them to sign the policy and deal with breaches consistently.
General information, not legal advice or a substitute for official guidance. Check HSE, DVSA and GOV.UK for current requirements.
Related
Driving for work: duty of careEmployers have general duties to manage work-related road risk. What that means for vehicle checks, drivers and records.Driver fatigue and safetyTiredness is a major factor in road crashes. Warning signs, rules on hours, scheduling that helps and what drivers should do when tired.