McDonald’s drive thru warning as customers face ?200 fines
McDonald’s fans could be hit with a £200 fine while using drive thru services thanks to a law that came into play in 2022.
Breaking the law, which states people cannot use their phone while behind the wheel while being stationary in traffic, such as at traffic lights or motorway queues, could also mean as many as six points on your licence.
Drivers are only exempt from the new rule if they are making an emergency call – or if paying for a meal at a drive-thru using their device.
That said, signs dotted around McDonald’s drive thrus are urging people not to use their mobile phones to use its app. The signs read: “Tell us your app code to earn rewards” – with small print adding: “Do not use the McDonald’s app while your engine is running”.[2]
As previously reported[3], people should, instead, download the four-digit code before arriving at the drive thru, at a time when it is safe and legal to do so, as it is only legal to use your phone to pay at a drive thru – nothing else.
When the new law was first introduced, the director of Nationwide Vehicle Contracts[4] warned the new law must be taken seriously by motorists. Keith Hawes added: “The changes to mobile phone driving laws are vital to improving the safety of Britain’s roads. Drivers must take these rules seriously to help reduce the number of tragic deaths caused by violations.
“As the world evolves, these adaptations to driving laws are important to keep up-to-date with how technology is used by motorists. We hope these penalties are a strong deterrent to drivers who use their mobile phones behind the wheel.
“It is not just mobile devices that drivers should be cautious of. Despite no new rules being enforced on the use of internal infotainment systems, they can be a potential distraction for drivers.
“Touchscreens have become a common addition to modern vehicles, and the more complex they become, the more distracting they can be. If you are found to be not properly in control of your vehicle as a result of using dashboard gadgets or hands-free devices you could still be prosecuted.“
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References
- ^ Fresh Highway Code warning as drivers face unlimited fines (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ McDonald’s (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ As previously reported (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)
- ^ Nationwide Vehicle Contracts (www.nationwidevehiclecontracts.co.uk)
- ^ Liverpool ECHO by signing up here (www.liverpoolecho.co.uk)