Check out penalties for using a mobile phone while driving
Mobile Phone Use: A Global Concern
The use of mobile phones while driving is a global issue that has attracted the attention of many countries. In the United States and Europe, various laws and penalties have been implemented to curb this dangerous habit. These regulations vary from country to country, with some nations imposing stricter rules than others.
In the United States, for instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has specific rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers. According to the FMCSA, these drivers are prohibited from holding a mobile device to make a call or dial by pressing more than a single button. Compliance with these rules is enforced through fines and penalties, including driver disqualification for multiple violations.
Europe regulations Penalties for using mobile phone while driving
In Germany, at the end of 2017, the rules were stricter and the number of penalties imposed increased. Using a mobile phone while driving is punished with a fine of 100 euros, i.e. 40 euros more than before.
In Sweden, in order to increase road safety, the government decided to ban all mobile phones while driving. The exception is the use of the hands-free system. The penalty for breaking the provision is 1.6 thousand. Swedish krone. It has been estimated that around 10 to 20 people die annually in Sweden as a result of using a cell phone while driving.
Drivers on the road in the UK are subject to a fine of up to 200 British pounds and 6 penalty points for a telephone call while driving. The second offense of this type is punished with another mandate, 12 penalty points and a court hearing.
Exceptions are made only for hands-free mobile phones. In some cases, restrictions are directed only to novice drivers.
A US study estimated that cell phone use while driving in the US results in around 2.600 deaths and 330.000 serious injuries annually.
Penalties for using a mobile phone while driving:
| Country | Penalties | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Albania | ALL 1,000 (€ 8) | |
| Andorra | € 20 | |
| Armenia | AMD 3,000 (€ 6) | |
| Austria | € 50 | forbidden from 1999-07-01 |
| Azerbaijan | AZN 50 (€ 26) | |
| Belarus | BYN 54 (€ 20) | perhaps a warning |
| Belgium | € 100 | forbidden from 2000-07-01 |
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | BAM 100 (€ 51) | |
| Bulgaria | BGN 50 (€ 26) | forbidden from 2002-05-01 |
| Croatia | HRK 500 (€ 66) | |
| Cyprus | € 85 | forbidden 1999-06-25 |
| Czech Republic | CZK 1,000 (€ 37) | |
| Denmark | DKK 1,500 (€ 201) | forbidden from 1998-07-01 |
| Estonia | € 16 | |
| Finland | € 50 | forbidden 2003-01-01 |
| France | € 135 | forbidden 2003-03-30; from 2015-07-01 prohibited to use of headphones and headsets (any device that is attached to the ear) when driving |
| Georgia | GEL 10 (€ 3) | |
| Germany | € 40 | forbidden from 2001-02-01; It is forbidden to hold a mobile phone in your hands while the engine is running |
| Great Britain | GBP 200 (€ 225) | forbidden from 2003-12-01 |
| Greece | € 100 | |
| Hungary | HUF 10,000 (€ 29) | Fines vary in the city, outside the city and on the motorway |
| Iceland | ISK 5,000 (€ 34) | |
| Ireland | € 60 | |
| Italy | € 160 | forbidden 1993-07-01 |
| Latvia | € 25 | |
| Liechtenstein | CHF 100 (€ 93) | |
| Lithuania | € 28 | |
| Luxembourg | € 79 | forbidden 2001-08-01 |
| Malta | € 100 | |
| Moldova | MDL 450 (€ 23) | |
| Montenegro | € 60 | |
| Netherlands | € 230 | forbidden 2002-03-30 |
| North Macedonia | MKD 2,500 (€ 41) | |
| Norway | NOK 1,300 (€ 123) | |
| Poland | PLN 200 (€ 45) | |
| Portugal | € 120 | |
| Romania | RON 1,338 (€ 276) | |
| Russia | RUB 1,500 (€ 19) | |
| Serbia | RSD 10,000 (€ 85) | |
| Slovakia | € 60 | |
| Slovenia | € 120 | |
| Spain | € 200 | |
| Sweden | SEK 1,500 (€ 144) | forbidden 2018-02-01 |
| Switzerland | CHF 100 (€ 93) | |
| Turkey | TRY 72 (€ 10) | |
| Ukraine | UAH 425 (€ 14) |
The Role of Technology Companies
Technology companies also play a crucial role in promoting safe driving. Many mobile device manufacturers and app developers now offer features that help reduce distractions while driving. For instance, Apple’s “Do Not Disturb While Driving” mode and Google’s “Driving Mode” are designed to help drivers stay focused on the road.
In conclusion, while the regulations and penalties for phone use while driving vary between the United States and Europe, the goal remains the same: to reduce distractions and improve road safety. As technology continues to evolve, it is crucial for laws and enforcement strategies to adapt accordingly.
