Can I use my phone while driving?
No: using a hand-held phone while driving is banned, and the sanctions are now tougher. The new Highway Code (Law 177/2024) bans using a phone, smartphone or other devices held in hand while driving. On the first offence the fine is €250, with 5 points cut and licence suspension of 15 days to 2 months. On a repeat within two years the fine rises to €350, with 10 points off and suspension of 1 to 3 months. You may use the phone only hands-free or with an earphone, keeping your hands free. The ban also applies when stopped at traffic lights with the engine running.
📋 The rules
- Banned to use a phone held in hand while driving
- 1st offence: €250, -5 points, suspension 15 days-2 months
- Repeat (2 years): €350, -10 points, suspension 1-3 months
- Allowed only hands-free or with earphone (hands free)
- The ban applies even stopped at lights with the engine on
🔓 Exceptions
- Hands-free or earphone use, without holding the device
- Fixed mounts that don't require holding the phone
- Vehicles stopped with the engine off and off the carriageway
⚠️ Penalties & fines
The new Highway Code sanctions are tougher: already on the first time you risk licence suspension (15 days to 2 months), plus the fine and point deduction. For new drivers and on repeat, consequences are even heavier. Using the phone while driving is a leading cause of distraction and serious crashes: if the distraction causes an accident, civil and criminal liability can be added to the administrative sanctions. To comply, use the phone only hands-free or with an earphone, keeping both hands free.
📎 Official sources
- MIT · New Highway Code (phone while driving) →
- Normattiva · Law 177/2024 (Highway Code reform) →
- State Police · Distraction while driving →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I use my phone while driving?
No. It's banned to use a phone or devices held in hand while driving. Only hands-free or earphone use is allowed, keeping your hands free. The ban also applies when stopped at traffic lights with the engine running.
How much is the fine for phone use while driving?
Under the new Highway Code, a first offence costs 250 euros, with 5 points cut from the licence and suspension of 15 days to 2 months. On a repeat within two years it rises to 350 euros, 10 points off and suspension of 1 to 3 months.
Do they suspend my licence the first time?
Yes. One of the new Highway Code's changes is licence suspension already on the first offence for phone use while driving, 15 days to 2 months, plus the fine and point deduction. It's a significant tightening compared to before.
Can I use the phone hands-free?
Yes. Hands-free or earphone use is allowed, as long as you don't hold the device and keep both hands free for driving. Even hands-free, though, it's wise to limit distractions and prioritise safety.
Does it apply even when stopped at lights?
Yes. The ban on using a hand-held phone applies even when stopped at lights or in traffic with the engine running, because you're still driving. To use the phone safely you must be stopped with the engine off and off the carriageway.
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