Using a Mobile Phone While Driving - Consultation on Changing the Law

Improving road safety is a priority for me, so I am delighted to launch this consultation on proposals to widen the scope of the existing mobile phone offence.  As road users we all have a personal responsibility to behave in a way that keeps ourselves and others safe.  I am deeply concerned at the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads, and sadly the evidence shows that more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error. One of the best ways to ensure safety on our roads and fulfil our long-term goal of eliminating death and serious injury by 2050, is by changing road user behaviour. 

I am determined to take forward the road safety interventions committed to by my predecessor Minister O’Dowd, when he launched the Road Safety Strategy to 2030 and the Road Safety Action Plan 2024-25 last September. One of those interventions is a review of mobile phone legislation.

The mobile phone offence was introduced over twenty years ago, and tougher penalties came into force in February 2021 for drivers who illegally use their hand-held mobile phone while driving.  While we believe that we have the right penalty in place for this offence, mobile phone technology has advanced, but the offence has remained the same. Too many drivers continue to illegally use their hand-held devices while driving.  We cannot be complacent in our efforts.

I am seeking your views on my Department’s proposals to look at widening the scope of the existing mobile phone offence to include any use of a hand-held mobile telephone, or other hand-held interactive communication devices while driving. I want to ensure our legislation reflects advances in modern technology while removing any associated problems around detection and enforcement.

A driver should not pick up and use a mobile phone or similar device for any purpose whilst driving. 

I look forward to hearing your views on this important issue.

Liz Kimmins MLA

Minister for Infrastructure