Dangers of using your phone to replace that clunky old satnav

DRIVERS who use their smartphones for directions instead of a satnav are at risk of hefty penalties if they get caught holding their mobiles or with the handset on their laps.

Savvy motorists can avoid shelling out for an expensive satnav by simply downloading the ‘ Google Maps’ application to their smartphone and using the ‘directions’ feature.

You just have to enter your destination and put the volume up on your phone and the app will tell you how to get there, avoiding traffic jams along the way.

Other apps do similar things. For example, the Wayz app also alerts you to accidents and traffic jams. But you’ll need to make sure that you buy a windscreen mount and that you position your phone so that it doesn’t block your view. Otherwise you could be hit with a £200 fine and six penalty points on your licence.

New drivers who have passed their test in the past two years will lose their licence if they break these rules.

You also need to be on your guard if you’re giving driving lessons to your children or grandchildren, as the same rules apply to anyone supervising a learner.

Don’t think that if you’re at a red light or stuck in traffic you’ll get away with it, as you are allowed to use your phone only when your car is parked.