Drivers have accumulated £14 million in penalties for handling mobile phones at the wheel over the last three years.
More than 70,000 road users across Britain received punishments between 2023 and 2025, based on figures secured via a Freedom of Information request by Confused.com.
The violation attracts a £200 penalty together with as many as six endorsement points on a licence.
Matt Crole-Rees, a motoring specialist at Confused.com, explained that operating a mobile device while operating a vehicle breaches the law and creates hazards for passengers, other road users, and pedestrians alike. He noted that briefly glancing at a phone while stationary in congestion may appear harmless, but the consequences are not worthwhile.
Hotspots for mobile phone usage by drivers
Greater Manchester Police issued the greatest number of penalties, with 11,987 fines generating more than £2.3 million. Police Scotland distributed 7,107 penalties worth £1,421,400, while the Metropolitan Police issued 7,000 fines totalling £1.4 million.
Compliance activity reached its highest point in 2024, when 27,712 road users were penalised within that single year.
Despite the severe consequences, mobile phone usage while driving continues to be prevalent.
A separate OnePoll.com survey discovered that 59% of drivers confessed to using their phone while at the wheel, with those aged between 25 and 44 showing the highest likelihood. Among this group, 54% acknowledged the behaviour.
The survey indicated that 22% of drivers had gripped their phone with their hand while driving, and 37% had engaged with it for tasks such as reading texts or modifying applications.
The primary justifications cited were taking phone calls at 42% and relying on satellite navigation applications at 40%.
Almost half of drivers, 48%, stated they felt at ease using their phone when halted at signals or in queued traffic. An additional 26% acknowledged using their phone during slow-moving, stop-start conditions.
A representative for Confused.com observed that the research demonstrated phone usage had developed into an automatic practice for numerous drivers. She clarified that while using a phone for navigation purposes is permissible, motorists are legally obliged to stop safely and switch off the engine before making any adjustments. Otherwise, merely making contact with the device can lead to financial penalties or points.
The majority of those caught, 81%, were detected by an officer, while 26% were identified through artificial intelligence camera systems.
The penalty for mobile phone use while driving can increase to £1,000 should the case proceed to court.
Most drivers who had been penalised acknowledged receiving the sanction twice on average for this offence.