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Sat nav use whilst driving

Hello.
Could anyone please help.
My wife had to adjust her tom tom angle in the car as the sun was shining on it and just after she did so she noticed a speed camera van.
Could anyone tell me what could happen please from a legal point of view.
Thank you

Comments

  • If she was speeding she might get a speeding ticket?
    I don't think 2 low quality photos of her possibly adjusting her sat nav would be sufficient to prosecute her for driving without due care, if that's what you're asking?
  • El_Torro
    El_Torro Posts: 1,726 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I know people who have been photographed talking on their (non hands free) mobile phone while driving. They were charged for speeding but nothing else.
  • WellKnownSid
    WellKnownSid Posts: 1,794 Forumite
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    My wife had to adjust her tom tom angle in the car as the sun was shining on it and just after she did so she noticed a speed camera van.

    https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

    Was the device firmly mounted to the windscreen the entire time?
  • My wife had to adjust her tom tom angle in the car as the sun was shining on it and just after she did so she noticed a speed camera van.

    https://www.gov.uk/using-mobile-phones-when-driving-the-law

    Was the device firmly mounted to the windscreen the entire time?
    Yes it was, it was stuck to the windscreen using the tom tom cradle
  • Grumpy_chap
    Grumpy_chap Posts: 17,372 Forumite
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    For the future, if she feels anxious at the possibility of an outcome from adjusting the sat nav while driving, the learning point would be to pull over and adjust the device while safely parked.
  • la531983
    la531983 Posts: 2,574 Forumite
    1,000 Posts First Anniversary Name Dropper
    Hello.
    Could anyone please help.
    My wife had to adjust her tom tom angle in the car as the sun was shining on it and just after she did so she noticed a speed camera van.
    Could anyone tell me what could happen please from a legal point of view.
    Thank you
    Absolutely nothing. Move on and stop worrying.
  • Absolutely nothing. Move on and stop worrying.

    ^^ x2.

    Speed cameras are designed to identify the vehicle, not its occupants. If the operator did by chance see her adjusting the satnav, it would be impossible to convict her under the mobile phone legislation as they would have to prove what the device was and what its capabilities were. Careless driving would be a big ask. Drivers are allowed to operate peripheral controls whilst driving. Only if such actions impede their driving so that it falls to a standard "below that of a competent and careful driver" would a conviction be possible. 
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