Using the telephone is not only dangerous and reprehensible, it also involves risking a fine. The authorities can stop the vehicle and punish its driver if they verify that he had the mobile in his hand. This fine entails the withdrawal of points and an economic sanction.
Distractions at the wheel are a real danger for those who drive, also for other people, both drivers and pedestrians. And, given that the mobile is the tool we use the most, and that, above all, it is usually in the driver’s area, it is easy to be tempted by a notification or a call. Making it clear that you don’t have to use your mobile in the carLet’s see what such use entails for the driver’s license and for the wallet.
200 euros and three points less than the card
Using a mobile phone while driving is reckless, it puts those who circulate around and also pedestrians at risk, who are especially vulnerable to distractions from drivers. As specified by the DGT, using the mobile at the wheel multiplies by four the risks of suffering an accident. Such use is equivalent to driving under the influence of alcohol, according to the studies.
Being clear about the risks, and that the smartest thing to do is wait for the vehicle to be correctly stopped to return the call or answer the WhatsAppCan we be fined for using it? Yes: the authorities will stop the vehicle if they found that the driver had the mobile in his hand. This is the premise that can trigger a fine.
Currently, the fine for holding the mobile phone in hand while driving (is already in active use as it is off) is 200 euros. In addition, the sanction entails the withdrawal of three points from the driving license.
As specified by the DGT, the only fine they can give us when using the smartphone in the car is “driving while holding mobile phone devices”. This applies to any other device, such as GPS
Penalties apply if the device was in the driver’s hand. Pressing the screen if the phone is anchored to the dashboard is not punishable, for example, but it does involve the logical security risks. We recommend keeping it away from the steering wheel, if possible in the glove compartment. And take advantage of in-vehicle systems, such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
The increase in penalties is pending
As we said in the previous paragraphs, the only fine related to using the mobile phone inside the vehicle It concerns holding the device in your hand while driving. Currently this fine carries a penalty of 200 euros and the withdrawal of 3 points from the card, but the Reform of the traffic law is in process; that will double the withdrawal of points.
Once the aforementioned reform is approved, six points will be removed from the card instead of three. The amount of the fine will remain at 200 euros.