About Vodafone UK

Mobiles allow many of us to stay in touch on the road and often provide a real lifeline in emergencies, but it’s important that we use them responsibly and safely.

Under UK driving legislation it’s a specific offence to hold and use a mobile phone or similar device such as a BlackBerry when controlling a vehicle. The only exception is when a driver has made a genuine emergency call to 999, where it would have been unsafe to pull over and stop.

Driving while using a phone, even one that is hands free, is a distraction that increases your chances of having an accident. Even if you use a hands-free car kit that lets you to talk without holding the phone, you can still be prosecuted for offences like dangerous driving if you fail to keep proper control of your vehicle. For professional advice on finding the best hands-free car kit for you, pop into your local Vodafone store or buy online.

• Find your nearest Vodafone store
• Browse car kits in our online shop

Ultimately, it’s your responsibility to have proper control of the car and we recommend that you pull over to make or take a call. If you need to make or take calls at the wheel, we recommend a hands-free car kit with a secure cradle – never use the phone in your hand or anywhere loose. Even with a hands-free car kit, try to keep calls short and let the other person know that you’re driving and so may need to end the conversation.

Remember:

• the longer the call, the greater the distraction.
• emotional or complex calls increase the risk.
• driving conditions affect your overall concentration.
• you can always keep in touch by letting Voicemail and Vodafone Mail take messages when you’re driving.
• try to use pre-programmed numbers and keep any hands-free calls as short as possible.
• you should also warn the other person that you’re driving and may need to break off the conversation.

Hands-free car kits should only be used when it’s safe. If in doubt, pull over well away from any traffic and switch off your engine before using your mobile.

We continue to review UK advice and update this information.