Almost half of van drivers could be risking fines or points on their licence for inadvertently using their smartphones behind the wheel. Research by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles shows as many as 46% of the nation’s van drivers use their smartphones for navigation while driving, putting them in line for prosecution under the latest Highway Code.
In January 2022, the Highway Code was altered to close a loophole in the law about using a phone while driving. Previously, it was only illegal to use a phone to make a call or text – scrolling through music playlists, taking photos or using apps was not explicitly banned. After the changes came into force, though, it became illegal to interact with an unsecured phone at all.
>> Highway Code changes from January 2022
To stay on the right side of the law, devices must be securely mounted or plugged in to an onboard infotainment system.
The research, from a survey of 1,000 UK van drivers found 93% of them use some kind of sat-nav during their daily routes – whether that be a standalone unit such as a TomTom, a smartphone or a factory infotainment system.
Increasingly, new vans are available with large touchscreen infotainment units incorporating Apple CarPlay or Android Auto connectivity, but in older vans or more basic models it’s necessary to securely mount any device you’re using.
>> Sign-up for the Parkers Vans and Pickups newsletter
A myriad of mounting solutions are available, from air vents to CD slots to suction cups, but whatever you use the device must not block the driver’s view, nor should any trailing wires foul the controls.
We’ve reviewed the best smartphone mounts for your van here – or, if you want an even slicker solution, you can buy mounts that have wireless charging built in.
You can also purchase third-party head units that add Apple CarPlay or Android Auto to your van – or, if you just need phone calls, the good old-fashioned Bluetooth headset remains a perfectly legal option.
