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You can receive a CU80 conviction for the use of a mobile phone while at the wheel of a car on the road. This guide will explain what that involves.
Last updated: 04/02/2022 | Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes
If you’re caught using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel for any reason, you’ll likely be slapped with a CU80, and punishments have been getting increasingly severe over the years. Read on to find out about what a CU80 conviction entails and what to look out for when shopping for car insurance with a CU80 conviction.
You can receive a CU80 conviction for the use of a mobile phone while at the wheel of a car on the road. This can mean either while driving or stationary at traffic lights, so don't be mistaken into thinking while the light is red you can quickly grab your mobile!
As phones become more and more a part of our lives it's important to invest in good quality hands free technology, and the laws surrounding CU80 convictions came into place to encourage drivers to do just that.
If you receive a CU80 conviction for using a mobile phone while driving you are subject to between 3 and 6 points on your licence, depending on the severity of the offence. If you've been driving for less than 2 years this could mean losing your licence. You'll also receive a fixed penalty notice of £60.
Check out our guide to learn more about penalty points.
A CU80 conviction will remain on your licence for 4 years from the date of the offence, so any insurance you apply for within this time is likely to be affected.
A CU80 conviction is likely to increase your car insurance premiums. You must declare the conviction to your insurer for 5 years.
The number of points given will inform the car insurance premium hike. Minor offences resulting in 3 penalty points might increase your premium by a small amount – around 5% on average.
Offences that are more severe will receive 6 points however, which is likely to increase your premium by a larger amount, sometimes up to 30%.
