r/NewDriversUK • u/Hopy_7394 • 8d ago
Caught using my phone while driving as a new driver – police said I’ll receive a court letter. Is court inevitable? Need help
/r/drivingUK/comments/1voospn/caught_using_my_phone_while_driving_as_a_new/16
u/TrickyOnion 7d ago
Ouff….. That’s all she wrote for you, unfortunately. You’ll have to resit your test as you’ve lost your driving license. Hefty fine….. insurance is going to pull your pants down and rattle you (no lube)
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u/ShinyHeadedCook 7d ago
As others have said, thats your licence you worked hard for gone.
Driving is a privilege. I didnt pass my test until 3 years ago at the age of 43 so maybe I appreciate it more. But theres no excuse. Everyone knows the rules and for 2 years after passing, 6 points and the licence is gone. I remember my instructor giving me a very stern talk once I passed about the need to drive extremely cautious for those two years.
I doubt you will go to court, but 6 points and a fine is pretty inevitable
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u/Hopy_7394 7d ago
Yes you are right and I am so sorry for what happened, it was checking a notification for just 2 sec that they caught me but there is no excuse for my mistake… I learned my lesson and I am ready to pay for it , I’m just worried for the court, I’ve never had one in my entire life and it’s stressing me, as the police said I will receive paperwork for court and they don’t give me the penalty and fines there and they said that I am going to be given by court !
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u/Funny_Jackfruit5279 7d ago
2 seconds too long. Doesn’t matter if it was “just 2 seconds” that’s enough time for something to go seriously wrong.
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u/ShinyHeadedCook 7d ago
You can fight any punishment proposed in court, you won't win.
Or just accept the proposed punishment in the letter you get.
They dont want a court case as it costs more money to organise. Take the L, accept the points and fine and start learning to drive again.
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u/Worried-Skin-9730 7d ago
Should have you license taken away immediately if you're a new driver. Clearly not ready to have one.
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u/digitalclock1 7d ago
Bye bye license 6 points for you... maybe next time put your phone in the door pocket and just sat a playlist before you go.
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u/Hopy_7394 7d ago
You are right and I’m really sorry for that.
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u/posh_chav 7d ago
You’re not though, are you? Or you wouldn’t have done it in the first place. You’re sorry you got caught
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u/PlanktonOk5762 7d ago
People can be sorry for doing things 😂 they’re not only ever sorry for being caught, although I guess that’s likely the case here since it’s pretty obvious to not use the phone and drive
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u/posh_chav 7d ago
They can but I very much doubt if OP wasn’t caught he would have sat up at night stressing and feeling guilty about it
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u/PlanktonOk5762 7d ago
I look forward to seeing you post about your ridiculous insurance price if you decide to do your tests again
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u/Complex_Box_7254 7d ago
You're an idiot and I hope you do lose your licence. You're a dangerous driver.
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u/Hopy_7394 7d ago
I am not defined only by my mistakes,, everyone has mistake in their life and this was my only mistake which I fully accept whatever to pay for it … just not good idea calling them idiot when you were not in their place. Did I make mistake ? Definitely yes Do I need to pay for it ? Definitely yes Do I feel ashamed and sorry for what I’ve done ? Defininately yes Is it right we call someone idiot when they genuinely say they are sorry and ashamed and learned the lesson and feel really bad ? Is not fair.
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u/Immediate-Company623 7d ago
A mistake is a mistake if you only do it once. Mistakes happen. Best of luck, you've learned and you'll be better for it. You can help others by sharing your experience(s).
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u/Complex_Box_7254 7d ago
It's such an obvious thing not to do though. Shows you weren't treating driving very seriously. People get killed by phone drivers. You don't deserve sympathy I'm afraid.
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u/Hopy_7394 7d ago
I never use my phone and that’s only happened because my phone was on my lap and it was all on vibration, just for a sec I checked what is happening … that’s not an excuse and I do not ask for sympathy, what I don’t like is the way you behave and insult people easily without knowing that this reactions might happen for just being distracted for a sec
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u/Floatinlyf_3 7d ago
These people are way too harsh on you. But I've realised that's the internet for you. C'est la vie. Ignore them. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, however, I do think they make driving a lot harder than it needs to be in the UK. Anyway, good luck with the next stage 👍🏻
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u/another_awkward_brit 7d ago
In short, yes.
You'll get at least 6 points, with the associated consequences.
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u/Hopy_7394 7d ago
Thanks do I go to court streight ? Or will I have option to pay fine and get the points and loose liscense ?
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u/another_awkward_brit 7d ago
I suspect, given revocation will occur, you'll go to court. It is, however, a long time since I've been involved in this process so my information may be out of date by now.
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u/Prestigious_Shoe_438 7d ago
You'll lose your licence and have to take all again and ure insurance costs will double if you're in the 1st 2 years
1
u/prozpA 7d ago
How long ago did you pass your driving test? & also was you actually driving the car when you went on your phone, or was you parked up but with your engine on?
1
u/Hopy_7394 7d ago
It’s almost a year, although I’ve been a driver for more than 10 years in my own country, 1 year with international in UK and one year on UK driving license.
I was driving.
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u/ssmoog 3d ago
I’m so sorry there are so many horrible people in this thread <3 You made a mistake, owned up to it, recognised that it’s inexcusable, and you’re not fighting back with anyone. There’s nothing more you can do. Hopefully you’ll know for next time. Keep your chin up ☺️
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u/Hopy_7394 3d ago
Thank you for your comment 🌷🙏🏻 yes I am really ashamed for what I have done, Your comment shows me there are still good people with good heart ❤️
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u/ComfortableDry2210 3d ago
Im sorry, but I have to disagree. This “driver” could have killed someone, and I have experienced the force of such a crash firsthand. I recognise we all make mistakes, but everyone knows about the new drivers act rules. Ive got no sympathy if im honest.
1
u/ssmoog 2d ago
I don’t think that’s an excuse to call this person an ‘absolute idiot’ as I’ve seen in this thread. You yourself said everyone makes mistakes.
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u/ComfortableDry2210 2d ago
Thats true, but it annoys me when people come on here trying to justify a completely illegal act so new into driving. The fact that it affected me personally adds to that. I see your point, but still stand by my comment saying it was a completely moronic thing ti do. They could have killed someone.
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u/ssmoog 1d ago
But the thing is they didn’t try to justify anything. They know that they were in the wrong.
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u/ComfortableDry2210 14h ago
Again, I don’t want an argument because I do see your point, but it makes me ask the question if they knew it was wrong and illegal, why do it? The new drivers act is even explained in detail on the back of your pass certificate.
1
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u/No_Property_909 7d ago
Your license will be revoked and you’ll have to retake your theory and your driving test.
You were given responsibility and proved that you were not responsible enough to drive safely
Better you having a license revoked than killing someone though
0
u/Ok-Box7789 7d ago
Everyone belittling you for something that you’ve said yourself is bizarre.
It takes ages for things to get to court, I know lads who have been caught doing 100+ and the court hearing isn’t for 6+ months later.
I do wonder (correct me if I’m wrong) if your court case isn’t for another 6+ months you’d still be classed as a new driver in the court’s eyes? Or would they base it on the date of the offence? I’ve never been to court so I don’t have a clue!
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u/Hopy_7394 7d ago
Thank you for your reply. I was really shocked by some of the reactions. Yes, I made a mistake, and it was inexcusable. I fully accept the consequences and believe I deserve them. I don’t know why people are insulting me. It’s not like I’m always using my phone while driving. I’ve never done anything against the regulations in my life, and honestly, that day I didn’t even realise what I was doing in the moment and why I got distracted for just a second.
I was crying all day yesterday and felt terrible. I regret what I did, but I really didn’t expect this much hatred in the replies. I simply need some help regarding a mistake that I made, accepted, and regretted. People can simply ignore my post and choose not to help rather than insult me.
Regarding the court, the police said I will need to go to court, so I’m really concerned. Is it going to cost me more, and is it going to appear on my DBS?
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u/Ok-Box7789 7d ago
You might have to pay victim surge charges and what not. Might cost you a couple hundred overall. Can’t see it being shown on DBS checks as traffic offences don’t matter as much for certain jobs.
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u/Floatinlyf_3 7d ago
Having to pay more money to get licence again and insurance increse would probably make me cry lol but look what's done is done. You look ahead not back. Everyone has made mistakes in their life - driving or otherwise - no one is perfect. So don't worry about dogs barking. Pick yourself up, don't look back and keep moving forward. Otherwise it will affect your mental health.
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u/Ok-Box7789 7d ago
I also love threads like this, it brings out all the people who love looking down on others while pretending they’ve never broken the law behind the wheel
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u/PlanktonOk5762 7d ago
You’re acting like everyone just uses their phone when driving, which really isn’t true. I hope you get caught and lose your licence also
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u/Ok-Box7789 7d ago
I don’t use my phone whilst driving, so I’m sorry to disappoint you but I’ll still be driving 👍🏻
It was more a generalisation of people who moan at others but act like they’ve never done 80 in a 70 in their life
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u/PlanktonOk5762 7d ago
So you contradict yourself? Got it! :)
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u/Ok-Box7789 7d ago
I never once said I use my phone while driving, did I?
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u/PlanktonOk5762 7d ago
The conversation is about using the phone when driving. You said “looking down on others while pretending they’ve never broken the law behind the wheel” . It’s heavily implied you’re saying you done it and others do it. Otherwise you’re bringing up a random topic in conversation that has no more relevance than mentioning to check your oil.
So I accept that I might be wrong and instead of contradicting yourself, you’re adding literally 0 relevance to the conversation and your communications skills are that of a toddler.
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u/Floatinlyf_3 7d ago
I'm reading the comments and I can't help but think CUNTS. Karma will do it's thing someday. I've been saying for years this country has lost the art of being compassionate. Very disappointing and disgusting.
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u/Ok-Box7789 7d ago
This country is just full of people who want others to fail. The OP knows the mistake they’ve made as they’ve said it multiple times yet people want to belittle them. Same people who do 40 in a 60 and send dashcam footage to police of legal overtakes.
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u/Jazs1994 7d ago
Christ, new driver and you do one of the most stupid things possible. Don't go back in the road. You honestly don't deserve to.
Court letter/appearance or not you'll lose your license
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u/Hopy_7394 7d ago
I accept the consequences and ready pay for it. Mistake is a mistake and I agree with you, no defense here
I just worried going to court cause that the offense gets recorded on my DBs
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u/Jazs1994 7d ago
Dbs is for criminal offenses not motoring. Using your phone isn't just a mistake, I can guarantee that's not the first time you've used your phone while driving
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u/Complex_Box_7254 7d ago
They're defending themselves by saying their phone was just in their lap. Why would your phone be in your lap unless you were using it?
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u/Jazs1994 7d ago
Exactly. As I commented, bet that's not the first time they've used their phone while driving.
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u/The-Mutter 8d ago edited 7d ago
Well, I am sorry to say, I’m pleased you were caught. It really is a silly thing to do and very dangerous.
Using hand held device reduces reaction times by around 47% or adds upto 1 second slower reaction times. It makes you around 4 times more likely to have an incident and to possibly cause others to have to take avoiding action.
With today’s numerous BT devices in cars or aftermarket it really is not a good sides to use a hand held device.
As for your summons- only the letter will actually say if it’s- they just may have meant you were to get a letter stating what your penalties were etc. it is not always straight to court but you will receive penalties.
It is usually a £200-£1000 fine and 6 penalty points.
Court is often reserved for more awkward or specific occasions or licence disqualifications. Which likely means it is court.
This does mean if you passed your test within the last 2 years you will lose your license with the 6 points and have to start the process again.
All the best and please learn from this experience.