A driving mistake which can see you in huge trouble

The seemingly "innocent" driving habit of using a handheld electronic device at a drive-thru with drivers' engines running is actually a punishable road traffic offence which can be dealt with by all UK police forces under new rules.

Copyright: Dwayne Hards.

Stricter new rules have recently been introduced across the UK which explicitly ban drivers from using their handheld electronic devices for any purpose while their engines are running, meaning paying at a drive-thru is an offence unless the engine is switched off. Drivers who break the new rules may receive six penalty points and a £200 fine or prosecution.

If a new driver who passed their test within two years receives six penalty points, they will automatically lose their driving licence, according to GOV.UK.

Drivers can also be prosecuted for using a handsfree electronic device if police feel they are distracted, which they clearly are if they're tapping away at their gadgets as the driver's attention would have been taken off of the road, causing a serious risk of an accident.

Drivers are exempt from this rule if they are calling the emergency services when it is unsafe and/or almost impossible to stop.