Most people use a sat nav when they’re driving. They are fantastic tools that can help us map out the best route to our destination so that we don’t end up lost. If you’re like us and you struggle to remember where places are, you’ll understand just how much of a lifesaver the sat nav is. However, there are ways to use it effectively and, more importantly, legally.
Just because you have a sat nav doesn’t mean you can ignore the rules of the road and follow it blindly. You need to learn to see your sat nav as an assistant more than anything and let it guide you while also paying close attention to your surroundings. If you want to learn how to use a sat nav effectively, then you’re in the right place. We’re here to help.
Is Driving with a Sat Nav Safe?
Driving with a sat nav is completely safe so long as you don’t rely on it completely or allow it to distract you. It takes a while to get used to driving with one, especially when you’re trying not to look at the screen too much so you can keep your eyes on the road. But with a little time and patience (and the help of our guide), you’ll be well on the way to safe driving with a sat nav.
Since 2017, the DVSA has included sat nav use in driving tests, with approximately 80% of candidates now following directions from a satellite navigation system during their practical examination. This change reflects how commonplace sat nav use has become in everyday driving.
Before You Start Driving
Before you head out on the road, there are a few things you need to sort out with your sat nav to ensure you are being safe and sensible.
Always Make Sure It’s in the Right Place
Placement is not as simple as you think, and according to Government guidance, if your sat nav is obstructing your view of the road, you could face three penalty points. For more serious cases involving handheld use, penalties can reach £200 and six penalty points, or up to £1,000 if taken to court (£2,500 for bus or lorry drivers).
If you don’t have a built-in sat nav, you need to mount yours on the dashboard or get a windscreen mount to ensure it is safe. If you’re using your phone, it needs to be in a cradle. All sat navs need hands-free access to be compliant with road laws. The device must not block your vision of the road ahead in any way, and the aim is to have it in a position where you can see the road and you only need to flick your eyes to the side to glance at the map.
Important for new drivers: If you’ve held your licence for less than two years and are caught using a handheld device, you will lose your licence entirely, as new drivers can only accumulate six penalty points before their licence is revoked.
Input the Route Before You Drive
Putting in the address while driving is dangerous and illegal. According to Highway Code Rule 150, you must exercise proper control of your vehicle at all times. No matter how focused you think you are, chances are that you’re going to end up looking at the sat nav for too long if you try to program it while driving.
Input your route and map it out before you start driving so you have an idea of where you’re going, and you don’t have to be unsafe on the roads. If you need to change your destination while driving, pull over safely and park before making any adjustments.
Turn Up the Volume
The sat nav volume can be pretty quiet, especially if you’re listening to music or people are talking in the car. Make sure you turn the sat nav volume up so you can hear it comfortably over the background noise. That way, you can follow directions without having to constantly look at the map and put yourself at risk.
Modern sat navs and smartphone apps often include voice command features, which allow you to make basic adjustments without touching the device.
Safe Sat Nav Use While Driving
Even when you’re finally driving, there are things you need to keep in mind so that you can remain safe and prevent yourself from becoming distracted.
Don’t Get Distracted
It’s easy to get distracted by constantly looking at the map when you’re driving an unfamiliar route. However, you can get pulled over for being too distracted, and looking at the map too much can put you at risk and end up causing an accident. According to police guidance, even hands-free devices can result in prosecution if officers believe you’re not in full control of your vehicle.
Always Use Common Sense
You have to remember that sat navs are not always accurate. They might be out of date, the information might not be accurate, and there are times when the signs and speed limits are wrong on the sat nav. Road networks in the UK change approximately 15% every year, with new bypasses, one-way systems, and road layout alterations being introduced regularly.
Use your common sense and listen to the road before you listen to the sat nav. Always follow the speed limits shown on road signs rather than relying on your sat nav, particularly in areas where new 20mph zones have been introduced.
Understanding Legal Penalties
It’s crucial to understand the current penalties for improper sat nav use:
- Handheld device use: £200 fine and six penalty points
- New drivers (licence held less than 2 years): Automatic licence revocation
- Obstruction of view: Three penalty points
- Court cases: Fines up to £1,000 (£2,500 for commercial vehicles) and possible driving ban
The law changed in March 2022 to strengthen penalties for any handheld device use, including taking photos, playing games, or scrolling through playlists.
Keeping Your Sat Nav Updated
One of the things people forget about most with their sat navs is the updates. If you don’t update your sat nav, then it won’t be giving you accurate route information, loading the correct speed limits, or showing you any changes in road layouts. With UK road networks changing so frequently, outdated navigation data can lead to:
- Wrong speed limit information
- Directing you down roads that no longer exist
- Missing new bypasses and more efficient routes
- Incorrect traffic information
Make sure you plug it in and allow updates to load regularly. Most manufacturers recommend updating your sat nav at least twice a year, with some newer systems offering over-the-air updates automatically.
For vehicles with built-in systems, check with your manufacturer for update procedures. Many newer cars with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration receive updates through your smartphone automatically.
Technology and Modern Integration
Today’s sat nav technology has evolved significantly beyond basic direction-giving. Modern systems integrate with:
- Real-time traffic data to suggest alternative routes
- Voice commands for hands-free operation
- Smartphone integration through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Live speed camera alerts and traffic updates
For young drivers, these technological improvements can enhance safety, but they must still be used responsibly and legally.
Insurance Implications for Young Drivers
Safe sat nav use is particularly important for young drivers, as poor driving habits can affect insurance premiums. New drivers should be especially cautious, as penalties can result in licence loss and significantly higher insurance costs.
Consider dash cam insurance as an additional safety measure, as recorded footage can provide evidence in case of accidents and may help reduce premiums for safe drivers.
Get Young Driver Insurance in the UK with MyFirst
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Safe sat nav use demonstrates the responsible driving behaviour that insurance companies value. If you're ready to keep your premiums down and save money, get in touch with us today and see how much we can save you with a quote.
