Drivers face £1,000 fine for using popular apps and sat navs as new laws bring 'severe' penalties

But the popular navigation apps could see drivers fined for being on their phones while travelling in the UK.

Drivers can get slapped with six penalty points and a £200 fine if caught holding and using a phone, sat nav, tablet, or any device that can send and receive data while driving or riding a motorcycle.

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But in more serious cases, drivers could also lose their licence if they passed their driving test in the last two years.

Motorists can also get three penalty points if they do not have a full view of the road and traffic ahead or proper control of the vehicle.

Driver who are taken to court over an incident can face even harsher penalties which vary from being banned from driving or riding or receiving a maximum fine of £1,000 or £2,500 if they were driving a lorry or bus.

Experts at Swansway Motor Group said: "We strongly advise against interacting with mobile devices while driving, especially hand-held devices."

"A glance at your phone to tap an app like Google Maps or Waze could result in a fine. The consequences of using a phone while driving have become increasingly severe.

"Since 2022, it has been illegal to use a hand-held phone whilst driving, with potential fines reaching £1,000 and the possibility of accruing six penalty points or facing a driving ban."

The stakes are even higher for professional drivers, who risk not only increased penalties but also their livelihoods.

Recent statistics found that using a handheld mobile phone while driving saw a staggering 80 per cent increase, from 15,427 offences in 2021 to 27,756 in 2022.

The jump is largely attributed to changes in mobile phone legislation implemented in March 2022.

The laws broadened the definition of "use" of a hand-held device whilst driving, giving police officers more opportunities to report offenders.

As a result, drivers are now more likely to face severe consequences for interacting with their phones, including popular navigation apps, while on the road.

Swansway Motor Group stated: "Vehicle technology has advanced to improve driver safety, not detract from it. Many modern vehicles come equipped with voice-activated systems and advanced options requiring minimal physical interaction."

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For drivers who rely on navigation apps, the experts recommend using hands-free technology as long as it does not block the view of the road or the traffic ahead.