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Difficulty: HardIn-Car Distractions

Drivers are legally permitted to hold and use a mobile phone to send a text message when their vehicle is stationary at a red traffic light, provided the vehicle's engine has temporarily cut out due to an automatic start-stop system.

Answer: Answer

Answer

False
The correct evaluation is that the statement is false. Under UK traffic law and Highway Code Rule 149, you are still actively driving when stopped at traffic lights or held up in a queue. Even if an automated start-stop system has temporarily cut the engine, holding and using a mobile phone to text, call, or browse remains illegal. You must be safely and legally parked with the engine switched off permanently before using a hand-held device.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Determine the legal status of the driver while stopped at red traffic lights.
The driver is legally considered to be driving and in control of the vehicle during temporary pauses in traffic.
The Highway Code and UK road traffic regulations stipulate that stopping temporarily at junctions or traffic lights is an integral part of driving.
2
Assess whether automated start-stop engine technology alters this legal status.
Automated engine cut-out does not qualify as being safely parked with the engine switched off.
The vehicle remains in live traffic and must be prepared to move off immediately when signals change.
3
Apply the legislation regarding hand-held mobile devices to this situation.
Holding and interacting with a mobile phone is illegal in this scenario.
Using a hand-held mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited except in very narrow statutory emergencies (e.g., calling 999 where stopping is unsafe) or using contactless payment at a drive-through.

Key Concept

Legal prohibitions and driving status regarding hand-held mobile devices during temporary traffic stops.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

In-Car Distractions

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