Motorists have been fined a staggering £14 million over the past three years for using mobile phones while driving, according to new data. More than 70,000 drivers were penalised for the offence between 2023 and 2025, with fines totalling £14 million.
Law and Penalties
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving has been illegal since 2003. Offenders typically face a £200 fine and up to six penalty points. However, Freedom of Information data obtained by Confused.com reveals that thousands of motorists continue to break the law.
Regional Enforcement Hotspots
Greater Manchester Police issued the highest number of fines, with 11,987 penalties amounting to over £2.3 million. Police Scotland followed with 7,107 fines totalling £1,421,400, while the Metropolitan Police issued 7,000 fines worth £1,400,000. Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police and Surrey Police also featured prominently, with 6,322 and 5,145 fines respectively.
Expert Comments
Matt Crole-Rees, motoring expert at Confused.com, said: “Using your mobile phone when driving is not only illegal, but it can be dangerous for people in the car, on the roads, and pedestrians. While it could seem innocent to quickly go on your phone if your car is in traffic or at a standstill, it’s not worth the risk. Many are unaware of the consequences, and when it’s considered illegal to use their phone behind the wheel.”
Peak Enforcement Year
The data shows that enforcement peaked in 2024, with 27,712 drivers fined in a single year. Despite these penalties, phone use behind the wheel remains widespread.
Survey Findings
A separate OnePoll.com survey found that 59 per cent of drivers admitted to using their mobile while driving. Those aged 25 to 44 were the most likely to do so, with 54 per cent revealing this behaviour. The research also found that 22 per cent had physically held their phone, while 37 per cent interacted with their device, such as reading messages or adjusting apps.
Common Reasons for Phone Use
Common reasons for phone use included answering calls (42 per cent) and using navigation apps (40 per cent). A further 23 per cent used their phone to make a call in an emergency or to read a text. Drivers said they felt comfortable using their mobile when the car was stationary at traffic lights or in a standstill queue (48 per cent). Over a quarter (26 per cent) admitted to using their phone in start-stop traffic, while 22 per cent felt it appropriate to go on their phone quickly when they thought they wouldn’t get distracted.
Repeat Offenders and Detection
Motorists who had been caught said they had been penalised twice on average for phone use while driving. Yet 84 per cent said they had never been caught, despite the offence carrying six penalty points and fines that can rise to £1,000 if prosecuted. Most offenders were spotted by a police officer (81 per cent), while 26 per cent were caught by AI camera technology.
Advice from Confused.com
A spokesperson for Confused.com added: “The findings showed phone use had become a routine habit for many drivers. While you are allowed to use your phone for navigation, it is a legal requirement to pull over wherever it is safe and turn off the engine if you need to make adjustments. Otherwise, even touching your phone can result in receiving fines or points.”
Top Five Areas for Fines (2023-2025)
- Greater Manchester Police: 11,987 fines totalling £2,397,400
- Scotland Police: 7,107 fines totalling £1,421,400
- Metropolitan Police: 7,000 fines totalling £1,400,000
- Hampshire & Isle of Wight Police: 6,322 fines totalling £1,264,400
- Surrey Police: 5,145 fines totalling £1,029,000
