Drivers have been warned they may face a £5,000 positive when listening to music or podcasts by way of headphones whereas behind the wheel.
Whereas there is no such thing as a particular legislation that forestalls you from headphones whereas driving, it may be distracting.
One motoring professional has urged Brits to ditch the earpieces, which may also be used to make and obtain cellphone calls, to keep away from prosecution.
Graham Conway, from Choose Automotive Leasing, mentioned: “Whereas trendy vehicles include spectacular sound methods, plus in-built microphones and audio system, these driving older fashions is perhaps tempted to make use of headphones as an alternative.
“This might be for cellphone calls or to compensate for their favorite podcast whereas commuting or operating errands.
“However not having the ability to hear what’s occurring round you is extremely harmful for a lot of causes.
“It means you’re unaware of issues equivalent to emergency companies sirens, beeping horns to warn of a possible subject and even cyclists or pedestrians shut by.
“In case you are stopped by the police for driving with out due care and a spotlight, you possibly can be hit with three penalty factors and an on-the-spot £100 positive.
“And if carrying headphones is deemed to have induced a extra severe incident, which may imply a day in court docket, a monetary penalty of as much as £5,000, 9 factors in your licence and even a driving ban.”
Utilizing headphones fairly than an in-car sound system additionally means you’re extra more likely to be dealing with your cell phone whereas driving – and this might result in additional hassle.
The Freeway Code states: “It’s unlawful to carry and use a cellphone, sat nav, pill, or any gadget that may ship or obtain information, whereas driving or driving a motorbike.
“This implies you need to not use a tool in your hand for any cause, whether or not on-line or offline.”
Penalties for flouting these guidelines embrace three penalty factors and a positive of as much as £1,000.
For youthful drivers the punishment is much more severe as they may lose their licence.
The Freeway Code guidelines additionally apply when stopped in a jam or at visitors lights – even when your automobile has an automated engine switch-off system – and when supervising a learner driver.
Choose Automotive Leasing’s Mr Conway added: “The ability of driving is one which makes use of a lot of senses to anticipate what is going on on the street, and what might be about to occur.
“So chopping out listening to could make a big impact on the flexibility to be absolutely conscious of what’s going on round you.
“Those that have held a licence for a number of years be taught to react to the warning indicators, even when they don’t seem to be apparent.
“Over-revving engines, reversing alarms and even shouting from fellow motorists or pedestrians are issues that ought to let you know one thing will not be fairly proper and offer you sufficient time to take the required motion.
“If you happen to can’t hear them attributable to carrying headphones you’re merely not secure on the roads.”
