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Around a third of motorists are confused about, or unaware of, a forthcoming new law governing the use of mobile phones
From the beginning of December, new legislation will come into effect making it illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving.
The Government announced it was considering the law change last August.
Since then it has consulted the public and experts on the proposal - with nearly 90% of responses in favour of a ban.
Research from the RAC showed one-fifth of the motorists who were aware of the change in the law were wrong in their knowledge of what the new law would comprise.
The RAC recommends that if you do need to use a phone while in your vehicle that you do so only with a fully-fitted car kit.
It also recommends keeping call-making to a minimum and using pre-programmed short-dial numbers wherever possible.
500,000 motorists are on the phone in their cars at any one time, according to the research. The practice is illegal in at least 30 countries.
In the UK, drivers must have proper control of their vehicles at all times and can be prosecuted for careless, inconsiderate or dangerous driving, if using a phone causes them to drive this way.
Penalties include an unlimited fine, disqualification and up to two years' imprisonment. It can also be an offence for employers to require their employees to use mobile phones while driving.
From the beginning of December, new legislation will come into effect making it illegal to hold a mobile phone while driving.
The Government announced it was considering the law change last August.
Since then it has consulted the public and experts on the proposal - with nearly 90% of responses in favour of a ban.
Research from the RAC showed one-fifth of the motorists who were aware of the change in the law were wrong in their knowledge of what the new law would comprise.
The RAC recommends that if you do need to use a phone while in your vehicle that you do so only with a fully-fitted car kit.
It also recommends keeping call-making to a minimum and using pre-programmed short-dial numbers wherever possible.
500,000 motorists are on the phone in their cars at any one time, according to the research. The practice is illegal in at least 30 countries.
In the UK, drivers must have proper control of their vehicles at all times and can be prosecuted for careless, inconsiderate or dangerous driving, if using a phone causes them to drive this way.
Penalties include an unlimited fine, disqualification and up to two years' imprisonment. It can also be an offence for employers to require their employees to use mobile phones while driving.
