Devon and Cornwall Police Issue Over 1,300 Fines for Mobile Phone Use While Driving

More than £250k in fines handed out as over 150 drivers taken to court

More than 1,300 drivers across Devon and Cornwall have been fined for using their mobile phones behind the wheel, figures reveal.

Between April 2023 and February 2025, a total of 1,301 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) were issued by Devon & Cornwall Police to motorists caught handling devices while driving.

That’s the equivalent of two distracted drivers being caught every single day.

Fewer Offences This Year – But the Problem Persists

The data, obtained by road traffic injury claim experts Accident Claims Advice, shows that 455 FPNs were issued between April 2024 and February 2025.

That’s a notable drop from the 848 fines issued during the 2023/24 period.

Despite the reduction, the scale of the problem remains significant, especially given the serious risks involved in using a phone while driving.

Penalties and Court Action

The fines handed out across the region totalled £260,200. Under the current rules, which came into effect in 2022, being caught using a handheld mobile phone at the wheel carries a £200 fine and six penalty points.

While the majority of offenders—1,148 drivers—paid the penalty, 155 people were taken to court. There, the fines can rise sharply to £1,000, or as much as £2,500 for lorry and bus drivers.

Legal Support for Those Affected

Michael Higgins, a solicitor from Accident Claims Advice, said:
“The number of mobile phone driving offences is extremely worrying – especially given the potentially devastating consequences of someone not paying full attention when operating a vehicle.

“A road traffic accident caused by someone looking at their phone while driving could turn a person’s life upside down in a split second.

“It’s important that they know that legal support is available to them if they want to seek compensation for the harm they suffered.”

Accident Claims Advice provides support and guidance on personal injury claims and helps connect people with legal professionals. The service is free to contact and available 24/7 via 0800 6524 881.

The Law on Phone Use Behind the Wheel

Making calls or sending texts while driving has been illegal in Great Britain since 2003. But in 2022, the law became even stricter, making it an offence to use a handheld device in any capacity while operating a vehicle.

The data used in the investigation was reviewed by Accident Claims Advice using police figures from Devon & Cornwall Police, covering the period from April 2023 to February 2025.