How to avoid a fine for using a cell phone while driving

Using a mobile phone behind the wheel and the related penalties are now among the most relevant issues for road safety. With the new Highway Code, penalties have been tightened to protect road users and combat digital distraction. Let’s take a detailed look at what exactly the fine for using a phone while driving includes, how much the penalties are, and what the consequences are for your driver’s licence.

New Highway Code: What Article 173 Says About Mobile Phone Use While Driving

Article 173 of the Highway Code expressly prohibits “the use while driving of radiotelephone devices, smartphones, laptops, tablets and similar devices that require the driver to remove their hands from the steering wheel even temporarily,” which also includes the use of headphones.
In other words, the driver may not hold the phone or manipulate any device that distracts them from driving. This means that not only making calls, but also writing messages, checking social media, searching for an address or watching videos constitutes a violation.

Fine for Using a Mobile Phone While Driving: Amounts and Licence Suspension

According to paragraph 3-bis of Article 173, the fine for using a mobile phone while driving ranges from €250 to €1,000 for a first offence. In addition to the monetary penalty, the driver’s licence may be suspended from 15 days to 2 months. If a second offence occurs within two years, the consequences become more severe: the fine ranges from €350 to €1,400 and the suspension can last up to 3 months.
These measures aim to discourage dangerous behaviour and reduce accidents caused by digital distraction.

Fine for Mobile Phone Use Without Being Stopped: Is It Possible?

Many drivers wonder whether it is possible to receive a fine for using a mobile phone while driving without being stopped. The answer is yes. Law enforcement can now use surveillance systems and technological devices capable of detecting the violation even without an immediate stop. In such cases, the fine will be sent later via notification to the driver’s home. This increases the effectiveness of checks and makes it essential to always maintain proper behaviour while driving.

Driving While Using a Phone: Penalties and Licence Return

If a licence suspension is ordered, the notification may sometimes arrive late due to technical or postal reasons. However, the suspension takes effect from the moment the licence is physically taken away, and it can be returned starting from the 16th day.
To assist citizens and avoid delays, it is possible to book an appointment at the Prefecture offices to retrieve the licence. This procedure is particularly useful when the notification times exceed the actual suspension period.