It all started with a social media discussion with Greater Manchester Police (GMP) over using Apple Pay when going through a McDonalds Drive Thru when seen in the light of the new mobile phone driving laws.
The question posed was whether or not a person paying for their food with their mobile phone would fall foul of the new laws. If they did fall foul of those laws and caught doing so, they would face a £200 fine and 6 penalty points. In some cases that could lead to a ban from driving and a much larger fine. If the driver had only passed their test within 2 years, they could find their licence being revoked and having to make their driving test again.
The response from GMP was that if the driver’s car was stopped, with its engine off and the handbrake applied, then that would be okay. However, should the driver have their engine on then they would fall foul of the laws and could face the penalty?
In response to this news, a McDonald’s spokesperson stated: “When customers enter our drive-thrus, a number of restrictions are in place with the aim of preventing irresponsible and dangerous driving.
“Customers using our drive-thru lanes will be moving slowly in a dedicated vehicle lane.
“Additional restrictions can include a speed limit of 5mph, speed bumps, large vehicles being unable to enter and customers having to be stationary when offering their chosen method of payment.
“We would hope that all of our restrictions would be taken into account and common sense used when the police are applying the rules of this law.”
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
