Beware of scam texts and emails claiming to be from the Ministry of Justice. We do not send payment links in texts or emails. If you are unsure whether a message is genuine, contact our call centre on 0800 4 FINES (0800 434 637) or 0800 COURTS (0800 268 787) before clicking any links or making a payment. Read more about identifying scams.
4.5 Electronic communication devices (including cell phones)
4.5 Electronic communication devices (including cell phones)
Electronic communication devices include cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants and computers with electronic communication capabilities. As a general rule, such devices should be turned off or muted before entering a courtroom. They must not be used for voice calls. Devices such as laptops and smartphones may, however, be used by members of the media for silent electronic communication of information, subject to the time delay restrictions set out in the In-Court Media Coverage Guidelines 2016. They must be used as unobtrusively as possible and in such a manner as not to interfere in any way with the running of the court.