Question

Difficulty: MediumManaging In-Vehicle Distractions

Under UK road traffic law, a driver is permitted to hold and interact with a handheld mobile phone while stopped at red traffic lights, provided the vehicle's engine has temporarily cut out due to an automatic start-stop system.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False. Drivers are strictly prohibited from holding and using a mobile phone while waiting at traffic lights, even when the engine has stopped automatically.
The statement is false because UK Highway Code Rule 149 strictly prohibits holding and using a mobile phone or handheld interactive device while driving. This legal restriction applies fully when waiting at red traffic lights or queuing in traffic, even if the engine has temporarily turned off via an automatic start-stop system. Handheld phone usage is only permitted when safely and lawfully parked with the engine switched off, or in a genuine emergency making a 999/112 call where stopping safely is impossible.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine whether waiting at red traffic lights with an automatic start-stop engine constitutes active driving.
The vehicle is stationary within the flow of live traffic, meaning the driver is still legally driving.
Temporary stops at signals or junctions do not mean the journey has concluded or that the vehicle is parked.
2
Apply UK Highway Code Rule 149 and relevant road traffic regulations regarding handheld device usage.
Holding and interacting with a handheld mobile phone remains completely prohibited in this situation.
The ban on handheld devices applies continuously throughout driving, including when stationary in traffic queues and at red lights.

Key Concept

Highway Code regulations and legal prohibitions concerning handheld mobile phone use and in-vehicle distractions.
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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