Short answer
Mobile phone offence exceptional-reasons enquiries should identify the notice, alleged device use, whether the device was held, location, emergency or parking facts, phone records, licence history, points, new-driver status and hearing date. Legal4U cannot decide whether an exception or special reason applies.
Quick checklist
Start with these
Collect Notice, Device And Roadside Records
Save the notice of intended prosecution, single justice papers, charge sheet, police statement, roadside notes, dashcam or CCTV evidence, phone records, device logs and photographs of any cradle, mount or vehicle controls.
- NIP
- court paper
- police statement
- phone record
- device photograph
Prepare Emergency, Parking Or Control Evidence
Organise a neutral timeline of where the vehicle was, whether it was moving, what the device was used for, any emergency call, contactless payment, remote-parking feature or evidence about hands-free use and control.
- vehicle location
- movement status
- emergency call
- payment evidence
- hands-free detail
Flag Points, New-Driver And Hearing Timing
Tell Legal4U whether six points, new-driver revocation, totting-up, a guilty plea, trial, exceptional hardship or special-reasons argument may be involved. A motoring specialist must review evidence, plea and sentencing risk.
- six points
- new driver
- totting up
- hearing date
- special reasons
General information only for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland need separate content checks.
Content governance
Editorial and source information
- Author
- Legal4U Editorial Team
- Professional review status
- Pending. Criminal or motoring-law solicitor, barrister or regulated specialist review required before publication as legal guidance.
- Jurisdiction
- England and Wales
- Date published
- 17 September 2026
- Regulatory status
- Legal4U is a legal enquiry intake and professional matching platform, not a law firm.
- Sources
-
- Using a phone, sat nav or other device when driving GOV.UK. Checked 16 September 2026.
- The Highway Code: Annex 5. Penalties Department for Transport. Checked 16 September 2026.
- Road traffic offences - disqualification Sentencing Council. Checked 16 September 2026.
- Editorial policy
- Legal4U guides are written to help users prepare structured enquiries. The professional-review status and reviewer details are shown separately on each guide.
- Correction process
- Corrections or update requests can be sent through the Legal4U contact page for editorial review.
- Information and advice
- This page is general information only and is not legal advice. Legal advice is provided only by an authorised professional or firm after they accept instructions.
Ask For Legal Help
Legal4U helps clients request legal help through a suitable Legal professional. The information on this page is general information only, not legal advice about your individual circumstances.
If your matter is urgent, include hearing dates, court deadlines, orders and any documents you already have when you submit your enquiry.
