





What is the law on using phones in-car?

The law says it is illegal to use your phone while driving or riding a motorcycle unless you have ‘hands-free’ access to the phone.

That hands-free access can be by using a bluetooth headset, voice command or a dashboard holder. For our helpful guide to choosing a Bluetooth headset, click here.

However, just because a driver buys and uses a hands-free phone holder kit doesn’t excuse them from bad or dangerous driving. Anyone using their phone in hands-free mode must stay in full control of their vehicle at all times. Failing to do so can result in a police prosecution.

What does a phone holder do?

Put simply, a phone holder mounts to a car’s dashboard or windscreen and securely clasps a phone within the driver’s eyeline. They are pretty basic and therefore relatively affordable.

The latest generation smartphones can be controlled by voice commands, or offer a special in-car interface. Drivers may use sat nav apps or make hands-free calls when the mobile is in the holder. However, it is advisable to stop the car in a safe place when reprogramming the navigation.

How much does a phone holder cost?

Prices range from less than £10 to as much as £100. That said, drivers needn’t spend anything like the latter to afford a good quality item.

Where can they be positioned?

Can mobile phone holders be positioned anywhere on the windscreen

There are strict guidelines about where phone holders can be placed inside a windscreen. However, a quick look around suggests many drivers aren’t aware of the laws around ‘windscreen obscuration’. In summary, you can’t place the phone holder within the area of the windscreen that is swept by the wipers if it obscures the driver’s view of the road. However, if it only impairs vision of the sky or bonnet, it’s deemed permissible.

Which are the best mobile phone holders?

Best phone holders for a car: Olixar Dash Genie V2

Motoring magazine Auto Express tested eight phone mounts. It found that the Olixar CD Slot Mount Car Holder was the best. At £14.99, from Amazon, it is relatively affordable. Drivers who don’t have a CD player in their car, or don’t wish to use it for a phone holder, should try the Olixar Dash Genie V2, which has a suction cup for mounting and costs £12.99. See the full review here.

How dangerous is making a phone call and driving?

Although hands-free calling is permitted when driving, researchers have highlighted the dangers involved. A study by the University of Sussex showed even hands-free phone conversations lead to distraction. Experts found this is caused by the brain visualising the conversation. For example, if your partner rings and asks where you put the shed key, you may have to visualise the kitchen drawer to describe it. And the part of the brain used for this is also employed identifying hazards. This makes the distraction impede your ability to stay safe.

4 comments on “Phone holders: mounts to let drivers use sat nav or make calls legally

  1. Eric Hayman September 25, 2017 10:10 am

    “And Dr Graham Hole, a psychologist from the University of Sussex, added: “In psychology there are a lot of contradictions. But over the years, research has been done into the effects of mobile phones on drivers in all kinds of different conditions. The results have been amazingly consistent: driver performance is impaired. I would ban the use of phones by drivers altogether. I don’t think their use is compatible with driving.””

    And having had a pint or so of beer is said to be the equivalent of using a mobile phone even if it is not in one’s hand. The mind automatically pictures what is being talked about, so the visual part of the brain switches iff from what is in front of the eyes. And of course the thinking part of the brain is thinking about the conversation. If eating a banana when stationary in traffic is illegal and unsafe, how can both looking at satnav screens when moving and talking on any mobile phone be legal – and safe?

  2. Alistair Johnston February 12, 2018 7:32 pm

    I agree with the Doctors findings absolutely.

  3. paul March 20, 2018 7:52 pm

    Eating a banana while stationary is not unsafe! (unless your banana is not mounted securely in hands-free mode)

  4. M Leslie August 23, 2018 4:06 pm

    While the Police say use of mobile phones are illegal if held by the person (quite right too) they also say using a mobile phone whilst Driving is also a detraction and are telling drivers to put mobiles out of sight & your telling drivers about phone holders, think breakdown services should be working along side the Police and discourage use of mobile phones

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.
