Motorists who call or text behind the wheel and who drive past a smart camera against text messages in traffic can expect a ticket on their license plate. From today, the police are going to be smart cameras use against apps or hands-free calling in traffic. The photo is automatically sent to the Central Judicial Collection Agency where an employee will first have a look. 

When driving, do not hold a mobile phone. When working on your phone, your eyes and attention are out of the way. You endanger others and yourself. You can be fined € 240 for this. Since 1 July 2019, this prohibition no longer applies only to holding a telephone, but to all mobile electronic devices. So also for navigation systems, tablets and music players.

navigation systems

You should not hold your mobile phone, music player, tablet or navigation system while driving your car. You should also not clamp these devices between your ear and shoulder. You may operate your phone if it is in a holder. For example, if your navigation system asks to accept an alternative route. You may also use voice control. 

You may, however, hold on to electronic equipment while your car is stationary. For example, in a traffic jam, in front of a traffic light or in a parking lot. You could be fined for holding mobile electronic equipment while driving. This fine is € 95 for cyclists, € 160 for moped and light-moped riders and € 240 for motorized traffic.

apping remains dangerous

Drivers who text with their phone in the holder while driving are just as dangerous in traffic as when they hold their mobile in their hand. This has emerged from new research among road users, conducted in a driving simulator. In 2018, more than 80.000 fines were imposed for handheld calling; in 2017 this number was 74.56.

Also read: Parking alarm prevents parking fines in 10 cities