Can you use your mobile phone as a sat-nav? UK rules explained

MOTORISTS are at risk of facing a hefty fine if caught using their mobile phone while driving.

That leaves many asking the question – what is the legal way to use the sat-nav on your smartphone? Here’s everything you need to know.

Alamy Pictured: An Android phone displaying a sat-nav[/caption]

Can you use your mobile phone as a sat-nav?

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.

From March 25, 2022, using a mobile phone or any other handheld device for any purpose while driving became a punishable offence.

According to the government website: ‘’It’s illegal to hold and use a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send or receive data, while driving or riding a motorcycle.’’

For example, you must not text, make calls, take photos or videos, or browse the web.

The law still applies if a driver is stopped at traffic lights, queuing in traffic, supervising a learner driver, or using a car that has a start/stop engine when you’re not moving.

If caught doing so by the police, motorists risk receiving a hefty £200 fine – which could rise to £1,000 if the offence is deemed particularly serious.

Drivers who have passed their test in the last two years may also be at risk of losing their licence.

Exceptions to the rule are if you are calling the emergency services and are unable to stop or if you’re making a contactless payment at a drive thru while the car isn’t moving.

It is also worth noting that Rule 149 of the Highway Code states 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.”

What is the legal way to use a sat-nav system on your phone?

You can use devices with hands-free access, as long as you do not hold them at any time during usage – for example, a built-in sat nav.

Smartphones showing maps or portable navigation systems are allowed to be used in a cradle.

This means that a smartphone displaying a maps app is allowed if it is in a cradle and not touched by the driver while driving.

If drivers wish to turn off or otherwise use devices with hands-free access, such as changing directions on sat-navs and map apps, they must pull over and park up safely to operate the device legally.

 A spokesman for the AA said: “It should be programmed with the route before you set off.

“If you need to re-programme the route then pull over and stop somewhere safe to do it.”

Can you stick mobile devices and sat-navs to your windscreen?

According to the RAC: ‘’If you wish to use an app for directions you should fix the phone to the windscreen or dashboard, so it’s in clear view while driving (but not obstructing your view), without requiring you to hold or interact with it.’’

The holder must be out of the 45-degree angle of the driver’s view and holders that slip into the air vent are available.

Phone holders are available online for just £6, while specialist sat nav mounts can be picked up for as little as a fiver.

They allow you to interact with your chosen route map without risking a brush with the law.