Drivers warned they could be fined £1,000 for keeping phone in wrong place

Motorists are being warned to properly mount their mobile phones or face the possibility of a £1,000 fine and six penalty points. While most drivers know not to speed, there are other less obvious laws that could catch them off guard.

The AA has shed light on some of these rules to help UK drivers steer clear of penalties such as fines or points on their licence. Circumstances can affect the severity of the punishment for breaking these rules.

Among the lesser-known offences are passing horses too quickly or loudly and having arguments with passengers while driving. The AA has cautioned: "Whether it's a heated conversation or a full-blown row, drivers having arguments with passengers could receive a fine if it impedes their driving. The Highway Code explicitly states that 'arguing with other passengers' is a distraction that must be avoided, as drivers must not 'drive without due care and attention', or risk breaking rule 148 of the Highway Code."

Drivers could face fines for a range of offences, including having unrestrained dogs in the vehicle and using unsecured sat-navs or mobile phones. The AA has issued a serious warning to motorists: "Using a handheld mobile phone whilst at the wheel of a car or using an unsecured sat-nav is actually breaking the law. If you are caught using a device that is not in a proper holder to follow directions you could receive a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence."

They also advised on the correct placement of devices: "Remember to be careful where you mount your device as there could also be repercussions if you do not have a full view of the road ahead," reports the Mirror. To help drivers stay within the law and safe on the roads, the AA has provided essential advice on following Highway Code regulations: "The intricacies of the Highway Code can sometimes catch drivers off guard. Our aim is to ensure that all motorists are aware of these lesser-known rules to avoid unnecessary fines and ensure road safety."

The organisation emphasised the need for greater awareness of driving laws: "It's not just about the common offences like speeding or running a red light; understanding and adhering to these regulations can significantly enhance your driving experience and keep you and others safe on the road." In 2022, there were 22 fatalities and 652 injuries in incidents where driver mobile phone use was a contributing factor.