Avoid fines for mobile use

Inattention behind the wheel is one of the main causes of traffic accidents, and the DGT is increasingly attentive to the use of mobile phones, the device that brings together most distractions while driving.

For this reason, the withdrawal of 3 points has been increased to 6 points, for sanctions related to mobile devices. In addition, you must add the associated fine, for an amount of €200.

The DGT has been using cameras on the country's roads for some time, to record any infraction and, therefore, also to detect mobile-related infractions. This is important since it means that you do not have to call or interact with the phone to be fined: the DGT will sanction you for the simple fact of holding a mobile in your hand.  

The DGT is aware that mobile devices today fulfill many functions in a vehicle that can be performed safely and without risk of distraction: Answer or make calls hands-free, give voice commands to send messages or access some kind of information, use it as a GPS navigator or to play music or podcasts...

All these actions or uses of the mobile phone in the vehicle are allowed, as long as they do not distract the driver's attention. This is important since, in this case, without actively using the phone, but considering that it has been a source of distraction, you can be fined 100 euros. It is considered a minor fault, and does not imply a loss of points.

Therefore, you can have the mobile in sight for the different permitted functions, using an approved support, as long as it does not distract you. But pay attention to where you put the support, which can also fine you for that.

Article 13.2 of the Traffic Law establishes: "The driver of a vehicle is obliged to maintain his own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision and permanent attention to driving, which guarantee his own safety, that of the other occupants of the vehicle and that of other road users".

That is, those mobile phones located in places that hinder the necessary field of vision or permanent attention on the road can be reason enough to be fined 100 euros for committing a minor offense, even using supports approved. It is recommended that these be located on the dashboard, as this is where they will least hinder the driver.