Can I use my phone while driving?
Not with the phone in your hand: only hands-free is allowed. The Road Code bans holding the phone while driving. Only hands-free devices are allowed (Bluetooth, speaker, a fixed mount). Using the phone in your hand is fined with 3–4 fine points (about 865–1,081 lei). If phone use comes together with another breach (e.g. no seatbelt), the sanction rises to class III (6–8 points) and the licence is suspended 30 days. Note: the fine applies even when the car is stopped at a traffic light or in a jam, as long as you're in traffic, not lawfully parked. From 2026, the sanction can also be applied based on video footage. The safest rule: don't touch the phone in your hand while driving — use hands-free or stop lawfully.
📋 The rules
- Holding the phone in hand: banned while driving
- Allowed only hands-free (Bluetooth, mount, speaker)
- Fine of 3–4 points (~865–1,081 lei) for phone in hand
- With another breach: class III + 30-day suspension
- Applies even at a traffic light or in a jam
🔓 Exceptions
- Hands-free devices not held in the hand: allowed
- Car lawfully parked with the engine off: no sanction
- Sanction also possible from video footage (from 2026)
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Using the phone held in your hand while driving is fined with 3–4 fine points (about 865–1,081 lei). When the breach comes with another (say, no seatbelt), two separate fines apply and the sanction falls under class III (6–8 points, about 1,215–1,620 lei), with a 30-day licence suspension. From July 2026 the fine-point value rises, so all these amounts will be higher. The sanction applies even when you're stopped at a traffic light or in blocked traffic. To avoid trouble: use a fixed mount and hands-free, set the navigation before you leave, and if you must use the phone in your hand, stop lawfully and put the car in park.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I talk on the phone using the speaker?
Yes, if you don't hold the phone in your hand. Only hands-free devices are allowed — Bluetooth, speaker or a fixed mount. Holding the phone in your hand while driving is banned and sanctioned, whether you're talking, writing a message or looking at the screen.
Do I risk a fine using the phone at a traffic light?
Yes. The fine applies even when the car is stopped at a traffic light or stuck in a jam, because you're still a traffic participant, not lawfully parked. The only situation with no sanction is when you're lawfully stopped, out of traffic, usually with the engine off.
What's the fine for using a phone while driving?
Using the phone held in your hand is fined with 3–4 fine points, i.e. about 865–1,081 lei. If the breach comes with another, the sanction rises to class III (about 1,215–1,620 lei) and the licence is suspended 30 days. From July 2026, the amounts increase.
Will my licence be suspended for phone use?
For holding the phone in your hand, you usually get only a fine with points. The 30-day suspension applies when phone use comes together with another traffic breach, in which case the sanction falls under class III and also triggers suspension of the right to drive.
Can I be fined based on a video recording?
Yes. From 2026, sanctions for phone use while driving can also be applied based on video footage, not only by stopping you in traffic. That's why it's advisable not to touch the phone in your hand while driving, whether or not you see a police crew in the area.
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