IT is illegal to use a hand-held device when driving, even if you have stopped at traffic lights, are in a traffic jam or are driving slowly in a car park.

If you are caught you will receive a fine and points on your licence, but the consequences to you and other road uses can be much worse.

Using a mobile device, such as a mobile phone or tablet, while driving diverts your attention away from the road. You are four times more likely to crash if you use a mobile device while driving. No call is worth the risk.

Mobile devices — when behind the wheel, remember:

• Switch off your mobile device before you set off so you are not tempted to use it.

• Don’t make or answer calls when you are driving.

• It is illegal to use a hand-held device when driving, even if you’ve stopped at traffic lights, are in a traffic jam or driving slowly in a car park.

• No conversation, text message or online post is more important than a person’s life.

When you are caught using a mobile device while driving, you will be issued with a fixed penalty notice and will receive a £200 fine and six points on your licence. If you are a relatively new driver or already have penalty points on your licence you could end up off the road very quickly by incurring six more points.

Your case could also go to court and you could be disqualified from driving or riding and get a maximum fine of £1,000. Drivers of buses or goods vehicles could get a maximum fine of £2,500.