DRIVERS have been warned that they could be fined £1,000 for using sat-nav in their car.
While these high-tech systems are undeniably helpful for drivers aiming to find their way around, they can land you a hefty fine if not used correctly.
Drivers have been warned that they could be fined £1,000 for using sat-nav in their car
Nowadays, a lot of drivers have moved away from their car’s integrated sat-nav and tend to stick with navigation apps on their smartphones instead.
But, from 25 March 2022, using your mobile phone or any other handheld device for any purpose while driving became a punishable offence.
If the police catch you with your smartphone in your hands, you risk receiving a £200 fine.
And if the offence is deemed particularly serious, it could rise to a £1,000 penalty, as well as a court appearance and a ban from driving, The Mirror reports.
The only exception to this rule is if you are calling 999 in an emergency and you are unable to stop.
But smartphones showing maps or portable navigation systems are allowed to be used in a cradle which can be placed on the dash or windscreen.
While the law is clear on prohibiting the use of handheld devices while driving, programming a sat nav or smartphone app that’s mounted on your windscreen or dashboard is less well-defined.
But it’s worth remembering that Rule 149 of the Highway Code says that drivers must exercise proper control of their cars at all times.
Car experts at Which? said: “You’re the one in control of your vehicle. It is your responsibility to ensure you adhere to all relevant driving regulations.
“Satellite navigation is intended as a driver’s aid and not a foolproof device to depend on absolutely.
“You won’t be able to use poor sat-nav guidance as a defence in the event that it sends you the wrong way down a one-way street or you drive your car off a quayside.”
This comes after hundreds of number plates dubbed “too offensive for the road” were banned by the DVLA.
Plus, drivers were warned that parking under a tree could end up costing them a £1,000 fine.