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In the EU, you can get a fine for just touching your phone while driving: Where are the strictest rules?

Using a mobile phone while driving has been one of the most common causes of driver distraction for years. That's why some European countries are going a step further with sanctions. It's no longer just about holding your phone in your hand. In some countries, even touching the screen while the device is in a holder is punishable.

The strictest rules currently apply in Spain, where authorities warn that drivers are not allowed to use their mobile phones even when they are stopped at traffic lights or in traffic jams.

According to the rules of the Spanish Directorate General of Transport (DGT), it is a crime to type, change music, use apps or otherwise manipulate your phone while driving. And not only while driving, but also when stopped at traffic lights or in traffic jams.

The fines for drivers who do not follow the rules are not small: 200 euros and six penalty points for holding a phone in your hand, 200 euros and three points for using a phone while it is in a holder.

Spain is not the only country to tighten its rules. A similar trend is visible throughout Europe.

In the UK, rules have been introduced since 2022 according to which a driver can be fined even for briefly touching his phone while driving or waiting at traffic lights. The fine is 200 pounds and six penalty points.

The Netherlands also uses special cameras that can detect the use of a mobile phone behind the wheel, while Italy and France have high fines and the possibility of temporary withdrawal of the driver's license for serious or repeated violations.

Although the rules are not identical in all European Union countries, the common message is that the focus is increasingly shifting to driver distraction, and not just holding the phone in his hand. In other words, even "just briefly checking a message" can lead to a fine.

According to data from European traffic institutions, using a mobile phone significantly increases the reaction time of drivers and increases the risk of accidents, which is why many countries are introducing stricter controls and automatic cameras to detect phone use.

All EU countries prohibit holding and touching a mobile phone while driving—even when stopped at traffic lights or stuck in slow traffic. The strictest rules and highest penalties for handling your phone are enforced in the following countries:

Italy: Italy imposes some of the heaviest fines, ranging from €422 up to €1,697. First-time offenders face automatic driver’s license suspension for 15 days to two months, which doubles for repeat offenses.

Great Britain (Non-EU, but notable in Europe): Fines can reach up to £1,000 (around €1,170) alongside a mandatory 6 penalty points on your license, which is enough to revoke the license for newly qualified drivers.

The Netherlands: Fines for hand-held phone use are officially €430 (plus administrative fees). The country also actively deploys automated, AI-powered traffic cameras ("focus cameras") designed specifically to catch and automatically fine drivers touching their phones.

France: Drivers face a flat €135 fine but, in certain regions (such as Landes and Lot-et-Garonne), authorities enforce immediate 6-month license suspensions on top of standard fines. France also completely bans wearing headphones or earphones while operating a vehicle.

What exactly counts as "touching" it?Almost all European authorities state that simply holding the phone, unlocking the screen, checking notifications, or changing a music playlist constitutes an offense. In many countries, even if your phone is mounted in a dashboard cradle, actively tapping the screen can still result in a ticket for not having proper control of the vehicle.

For details on the exact penalties and driving laws, you can check the European Commission's Road Safety Database or look up local regulations on platforms like the UK's GOV.UK Driving Guidelines.