Mobile phone use while in stationary car??

[Dave7]

This has been raised before but I dont think there was a definitive answer.
On this mornings radio 2 pop quiz the contestant said she was in a layby with the engine off.
Is there anywhere that clearly states when it becomes legal eg.....
.Engine off/handbrake on but key in the ignition
.as above but key on the seat.
ect ect
Again, I have googled it but cannot find a definitive written answer.
Opinions welcome but what I would really like is a reference etc to a clearly written law.

 

[classic33]

Engine off & parked up safely at the side of the road, was the response by the local force.

http://www.nopenaltypoints.co.uk/legal-use-mobile-phone-stationary-car-with-engine-running.html

https://www.confused.com/on-the-road/driving-law/mobile-phones-law-faqs

 

[MontyVeda]

according to the highway code, one can take a call when 'safely parked'. (link)

 

[Drago]

If youre anywhere in a public place - road, parking bay, middle of a field for a car boot sale - and the engine is running, the offence is complete.

 

[Crackle]

If youre anywhere in a public place - road, parking bay, middle of a field for a car boot sale - and the engine is running, the offence is complete.

That's how I understood it. Engine must be off.

 

[Drago]

Thats the (CPS) Directors guidance on the matter. Engine off, handbrake applied, not manipulating any controls.

 

[PeteXXX]

Same as if you are supervising a learner driver, I believe..

 

[tom73]

+1 for engine off ect

 

[Nigel-YZ1]

Lets face it no-one is watching so people will do as they please.
Driving round Barnsley last night my partner pointed at a car saying a driver was texting. It was the fourth I'd seen in one traffic light queue.
Unless of course Barnsley people stare at their own crotches a lot as part of normal daily life.

 

[Milkfloat]

I wonder if stop/start and auto handbrake technology now means the guidance needs updating? Otherwise I could see Mr Loophole making even more money.

 

[classic33]

Lets face it no-one is watching so people will do as they please.
Driving round Barnsley last night my partner pointed at a car saying a driver was texting. It was the fourth I'd seen in one traffic light queue.
Unless of course Barnsley people stare at their own crotches a lot as part of normal daily life.

They're an odd lot down those parts.

 

[Levo-Lon]

I wonder if stop/start and auto handbrake technology now means the guidance needs updating? Otherwise I could see Mr Loophole making even more money.

Car needs to be switched on for those to work though.
So no loophole there

 

[Milkfloat]

Car needs to be switched on for those to work though.
So no loophole there

The quote was 'engine on' not 'ignition on'.

 

[pjd57]

Safely parked in the cycle lane seems to be the correct answer , most days.

 

[MichaelO]

I wonder if stop/start and auto handbrake technology now means the guidance needs updating? Otherwise I could see Mr Loophole making even more money.

The law applies if you are "queuing in traffic". It doesn't state the ignition/engine need to be on.