Am I allowed to look at my phone while driving?
While driving, no. Under §23(1a) of the road traffic act you may not pick up a phone or electronic device while driving. Use is allowed only if you don't have to pick it up or hold it — i.e. via hands-free or voice control. At a red light it only counts as "not driving" if the engine is actually off — the auto start-stop is not enough. Breach: €100 and 1 point; more, plus a ban, if you endanger others or crash.
📋 The rules
- Holding the phone while driving is banned
- Allowed only via hands-free or voice control (no picking up/holding)
- A brief glance at the screen in a mount is fine; typing/operating it in your hand is not
- At a red light only allowed if the engine is switched off — start-stop doesn't count
- Other devices (tablet, camera, e-reader) are covered too
- The ban applies to cyclists as well (lower fine)
🔓 Exceptions
- Use in a parked vehicle with the engine off
- Hands-free calling, read-aloud and voice assistant without touching the device
- Navigation is allowed as long as the device is mounted and only briefly glanced at
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Phone in hand: €100 and 1 point. With endangerment: €150, 2 points and a one-month ban. With damage: €200, 2 points, ban. In the probationary period it is an A-offence: probation extended from 2 to 4 years plus a paid training seminar.
📎 Official sources
- ADAC · phone while driving: fines →
- § 23 road traffic act · driver duties →
- Bußgeldkatalog · phone while driving →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I look at my phone at a red light?
Only if the engine is actually off. If the car stands with the engine running — even when the auto start-stop pauses it — the phone ban still applies. Picking up the phone then costs €100 and a point.
Can I use my phone as a sat-nav?
Yes, if it is fixed in a mount and you only glance at it briefly without picking it up or operating it at length. As soon as you take it in your hand or type, it is an offence.
What does using a phone while driving cost?
€100 and a point. With endangerment €150, two points and a one-month ban, with damage €200. In probation, an extension to four years and a training seminar are added.
Can I make calls while driving?
Yes, but only hands-free or via voice control, without taking the phone in your hand. Holding it to your ear while driving is banned.
Does the ban apply to cyclists?
Yes. Cyclists also may not hold the phone. The fine is lower (usually €55), but the principle is the same.
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