Can I hold my phone while driving in Czechia?
No — a phone in your hand while driving is banned, and since the 2024 reform it hurts. Holding a phone or similar device brings CZK 2,500–3,500 on the spot, CZK 4,000–10,000 in administrative proceedings, plus 4 penalty points. The ban applies in traffic jams and at red lights too — only safely stopping outside traffic exempts you. A cradle makes it legal: navigation and tapping to answer are fine; texting while moving is not. Two of these offences in a year mean 8 points — close to losing the licence.
📋 The rules
- Ban on holding a phone or any call/recording device while driving
- Fine CZK 2,500–3,500 on the spot, 4,000–10,000 in proceedings
- 4 penalty points
- Applies in queues and at traffic lights
- Hands-free and cradles are legal — brief taps (answering, navigation) tolerated
🔓 Exceptions
- Calls via hands-free or speaker without holding the device
- Vehicle safely stopped outside traffic (lay-by, car park)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
CZK 2,500–3,500 on the spot, 4,000–10,000 in administrative proceedings, 4 points. In a crash, a phone in hand is an aggravating factor and insurers may cut payouts.
📎 Official sources
- BESIP · Offence & points table (CS) →
- Ministry of Transport · Phone-holding offences (CS) →
- Klik.cz · When may you use a phone at the wheel (CS) →
❓ Frequently asked
May I use the phone at a red light?
No — waiting at lights still counts as driving in traffic. A phone in hand is an offence there too.
Is navigation in a cradle legal?
Yes. A mounted phone may be briefly operated — confirming a route or answering a call.
How many points?
4 points plus the fine. Two offences a year = 8 points; three and the licence is gone.
Does the ban apply to cyclists?
Yes — a cyclist holding a phone commits an offence too (lower fine band).
What about smartwatches?
Typing on a watch while driving counts as not paying attention — also finable.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “phone driving fine czech republic”
- “czech phone at wheel points”
- “using phone red light czechia”
- “navigation cradle legal czech”
- “texting driving czech fine”