Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 26 October 2026
Quick answer: Phone use while driving laws ban or limit holding and operating a phone behind the wheel in most US states and many countries. Texting bans are near-universal in the US, and many states ban all hand-held use. In Great Britain it is illegal to hold and use a phone while driving. Set up apps before driving and never.
TL;DR
- Most US states ban texting; many ban hand-held use.
- UK: illegal to hold and use a phone while driving.
- Rules on mounts and touching screens vary.
- Penalties include fines and licence points.
- This is not legal advice.
Phone use while driving laws in the US
The Governors Highway Safety Association keeps a state-by-state table of hand-held bans, texting bans and young-driver restrictions. Laws change often; check GHSA and your state.
United Kingdom
The Highway Code says you must not use a hand-held mobile phone or similar device while driving, including when stopped in traffic, with narrow exceptions. Hands-free devices are allowed but you can still be prosecuted if distracted.
Why the laws exist
NHTSA identifies distraction as a major cause of crashes. WHO reports drivers using phones are roughly four times more likely to crash, and notes hands-free is not much safer than hand-held.
Using a speedometer app legally
- Mount the phone securely where permitted
- Set units, view and trip before moving
- Do not tap, swipe or read long text while driving
- Let a passenger operate the phone
- Pull over safely to make changes
At a glance
| Action | Generally |
|---|---|
| Holding phone to check speed | Not allowed in many places |
| Glancing at a mounted display | Often allowed; check local rules |
| Setting up while parked | Allowed |
| Passenger operating it | Allowed |
Hands-free is not risk-free
Even where mounted, hands-free use is legal, research on distraction shows the mental load of interacting with a device can still slow reactions. That's why the safest approach with any speedometer app is to set it up before you leave, then only glance at it, the same way you glance at the dashboard. Don't change settings, start trips or read stats while moving. If you need to do any of those, pull over somewhere safe and legal first, or let a passenger do it. A speedometer should reduce workload, not add to it.
Disclaimer
Laws differ by country, state and city. This is general information only, not legal advice. See safety.
Related: Speedometer app safety: how to use it without distraction · Phone mount placement: where to put your phone · The dangers of speeding · How to use HUD mode · Speedometer for car: your phone as a second display · Speed limit app: what to look for · Stopping distance calculator · US speed limits explained
Get Speedometer PRO on Google Play · Download on the App Store · Set it up before you move; never handle your phone while driving.
Sources
- Distracted Driving laws by state (GHSA): ghsa.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- The Highway Code, rules 103-158 incl. stopping distances (GOV.UK): gov.uk (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Distracted Driving (NHTSA): nhtsa.gov (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Road traffic injuries fact sheet (World Health Organization): who.int (accessed 26 October 2026)
FAQ
Is it legal to use a speedometer app while driving?
Glancing at a securely mounted app is allowed in many places, but holding or operating the phone often is not. Check local law.
Can I touch my phone in a mount?
Some jurisdictions allow a single tap or swipe; others forbid it. Avoid touching it while moving.
Is hands-free safer?
WHO notes hands-free phones are not much safer than hand-held, because the distraction is mental as well as physical.
What about when stopped at lights?
In the UK the ban still applies when stopped in traffic. Many US states also count it as driving.
Where can I check US state laws?
GHSA publishes an up-to-date table of distracted-driving laws by state.