The latest wording of the Law on Traffic, Circulation of Motor Vehicles and Road Safety has toughened the fines for using the mobile phone. But it has also caused new doubts among drivers that need to be clarified.
Distractions at the wheel have become the main cause of accidents on the road, which has led the DGT to increase vigilance over the use of mobile phones, which is, without a doubt, the main device that brings together most of the distractions while driving.
In fact, not only has the punishment for using the mobile phone at the wheel been toughened, going from three to six points less on the driver’s license, although with the same financial penalty of 200 euros. The DGT has long been committed to the use of cameras on the road that record whether the driver keeps the mobile in their hands.
This last nuance is important because with the latest wording, it is not necessary to be calling or manipulating any of the mobile phone menus, now, simply, hold it in hand It is reason enough to be punished with six points less on the driver’s license.
Where do I take the mobile?
Although the DGT pursues active use of it, the body is aware that the mobile phone allows hands-free calls, provides information as a browser or is the largest entertainment center for drivers, with access to music or podcast they listen to.
For this reason, playing the instructions of the browser or songs in it is not a reason for sanction, as long as it does not distract us from driving. This last detail is important, because its situation can cause us to be punished with a fine of 100 euros (as long as we do not actively use it).
Article 13.2 of the Traffic Law includes the following: “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 rest. of vehicle occupants and that of other road users”.
That is, those phones located in places that hinder the necessary field of vision or the permanent attention on the road may be reason enough to be fined 100 euros for committing a minor offense, even using approved supports. It is recommended that these be located on the dashboard, as this is where they will least hinder the driver.
Of course, using the mobile phone while driving is already a serious offense (even if it is on a support) and will increase the punishment to a fine of 200 euros. Article 76 g) specifies the following: “Use, holding it in handor keeping it tight between the helmet and the user’s head, mobile phone devices while driving, driving manually using mobile phone devices in conditions other than the above, driving manually using navigators or any other means or communication system, as well as carry radar detection mechanisms or kinemometers in the vehicles”.
In other words, using a mobile phone while on the move is subject to a fine of 200 euros. Using a mobile phone in your hand will subtract six points from your driving licence: “8. Using a mobile phone while driving while holding it in your hand”.
But keep in mind that if the device is used on a standthe sanction will be three points on the driver’s license, according to the following wording: “20. Driving using any type of audio helmet or headset connected to sound receiving or reproducing devices or other devices that reduce permanent attention to driving, or keeping mobile phone devices tight between the helmet and the user’s head while driving, or manually using browsers or any other means or communication system, as well as mobile phone devices in conditions other than those provided for in ordinal 8”.
Photos | Anthony Freitas
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism