What do the figures show?
Marshall Motor Group asked police forces how many offences they recorded for using a handheld mobile phone or device while driving. Thirty forces replied.
| Year | Offences |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 30,142 |
| 2024 | 32,172 |
| 2025 | 30,019 |
| January to July 2026 | 17,243 |
The forces with the most offences from 2023 to 2025 were:
| Police force | Offences, 2023 to 2025 |
|---|---|
| Greater Manchester | 11,994 |
| Kent | 7,541 |
| Essex | 6,013 |
| Merseyside | 5,466 |
| West Midlands | 5,278 |
| Surrey | 5,151 |
| Thames Valley | 5,028 |
These are offences the police recorded, not every time a driver used a phone. A force with a high total may simply be enforcing the law more actively, so the figures are not a league table of the worst drivers. Only 30 forces supplied figures, so the national total is likely to be higher.
What does the law say?
It is illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet or any device that can send or receive data while driving. That covers calls, texts, photos, video and browsing, even if the device is offline or in flight mode. The rules still apply when you are:
- stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic
- supervising a learner driver
- in a car whose engine switches off when it stops
You can use a device hands-free, through a Bluetooth headset, voice commands, a built-in sat nav or a phone in a holder, as long as you do not hold it and it does not block your view of the road. You can also use a handheld phone to call 999 or 112 in an emergency when it is unsafe or impractical to stop, when you are safely parked, or to pay contactlessly at a drive-through when the car is not moving.
What are the penalties?
- 6 penalty points and a £200 fine for holding and using a device.
- New drivers who passed their test in the last 2 years lose their licence.
- In court, you can be banned from driving and fined up to £1,000 (£2,500 for lorry or bus drivers).
- Even hands-free, you can get 3 points if you do not have a full view of the road or proper control of the car.
Read how points add up and when they come off your licence in our penalty points guide, or see what other offences cost with our speeding fine calculator.
Questions drivers ask
Can I use my phone at traffic lights?
No. It is illegal to hold and use a phone while driving, and that includes when you are stopped at traffic lights or queuing in traffic.
What is the penalty for using a phone while driving?
6 penalty points and a £200 fine. Drivers who passed their test in the last 2 years lose their licence. In court, the fine can be up to £1,000 and you can be banned.
Can I use my phone as a sat nav?
Yes, if it is hands-free, for example in a holder not blocking your view of the road. You must not hold it.
How many drivers are caught using a phone?
30 police forces recorded 92,333 handheld phone offences from 2023 to 2025, and 17,243 from January to July 2026.
Sources
- Marshall Motor Group: Mobile phone driving offences, FOI research (October 2026)
- GOV.UK: Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving
Facts checked against the sources above on 24 October 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
