A mobile phone driving offence has been recorded every 17 minutes since 2023, according to new FOI data obtained by Marshall Motor Group.
Figures from 30 UK police forces show 92,333 offences were recorded between 2023 and 2025, equivalent to around 84 every day across the period.
The data shows 30,142 offences were recorded in 2023, 32,172 in 2024 and 30,019 in 2025. A further 17,243 offences were recorded in the latest 2026 data up to July.
The five police force areas with the highest number of offences between 2023 and 2025 were:
- Greater Manchester Police: 11,994
- Kent Police: 7,541
- Essex Police: 6,013
- Merseyside Police: 5,466
- West Midlands Police: 5,278
The analysis is based on 30 UK police forces that supplied usable figures for each of the three full years.
Ben Welham, at Marshall Motor Group, said, “Using a handheld phone while driving can take a driver’s attention away from what’s happening around them, even if they only look at it for a few seconds.
“The safest approach is to put your phone away before setting off and avoid anything that could tempt you to pick it up while driving. If you need to make a call, send a message or change something on your phone, wait until you are safely parked.
“Drivers should also remember that the rules apply when they are stopped in traffic or waiting at lights, not just when the vehicle is moving.”
The latest roadside cameras used by police can look into a vehicle cab and see if a mobile phone is being used by a driver.
You can receive 6 penalty points and a £200 fine for using any handheld device while driving and that can impact on your insurance premium and in some instances cost you a job if your total penalty points disqualify you from driving.
