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AIBU?

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On phone in stationary traffic

281 replies

Charttopper · 05/08/2025 21:37

NC for this. I'm wondering if any legal folk have advice or whether you all think IABU.

A few weeks ago I was stopped at traffic lights for some time in standstill traffic so I briefly picked up my phone to look at a message that had come through. I was on my own with my baby in the back. Suddenly I was aware of something to my right and when I turned, there was a man in a high vis jacket on a bicycle, stopped right next to my door, and bending down to stare at me through my window. He didn't engage, just stared straight at me for what felt like an age. His position meant that I couldn't get out of the car and it felt very intimidating. I didn't know what his intentions were, or what he'd do next.

He then cycled off ahead and stopped by the windows of one or two other drivers and did the same thing. I felt quite shaken by the experience.

I later learned that he either reported me or was an undercover policeman as he had filmed me on my phone with his helmet camera.

I have now received 6 points and a £200 fine. I accept that the law states that checking your phone including when stationary is an offence so I am not disputing that there should be a consequence.

However, I can't help but feel that 6 points is a disproportionate punishment given that I was stationary and not actually causing risk. If I was moving it would be a different matter but I was not driving without due care and attention, i was stationary with the break on.

Secondly, the method of capturing this footage - a man staring into a woman's car, on her own with a baby, and instilling fear and blocking her in surely is not acceptable?

Can I challenge any of this?

OP posts:
XenoBitch · 05/08/2025 21:42

No, you broke the law. The fact you were alone with a baby is irrelevant really.
I think it is a sad state of affairs that cyclists feel the need to wear cameras now.

CallMeFlo · 05/08/2025 21:42

Youve no grounds for challenging it. Thats the minimum punishment for the offence & whether the guy who photographed you was right or wrong is a different conversation but has no bearing on the fine & points.

Ultimately you knowingly broke the law. Accept the consequences

MyAcornWood · 05/08/2025 21:41

Obviously you have no leg to stand on to dispute this, don’t be silly!

Trumpthecant · 05/08/2025 21:40

You’re in the wrong

SeagullFreeZone · 05/08/2025 21:39

I hope not.
You broke the law.

Hoppinggreen · 05/08/2025 21:38

It is illegal to hold your phone while in charge of a vehicle.
You were caught, pay up and stop whinging about it