Can I use my phone while driving?
No, not holding it in your hand. Using or holding the phone in your hand while driving is a serious offence: a EUR 200 fine and the loss of 6 points (the latest Traffic Law reform raised them from 3 to 6). It applies while driving and also stopped at a red light, in a jam or double-parked. Even holding the phone without using it or touching the screen on a mount is fined. Only built-in hands-free systems are allowed. For new drivers (under 2 years), a single fine can leave them on the verge of losing the licence.
📋 The rules
- Phone in hand while driving: serious offence — EUR 200 and 6 points
- Applies while moving, at a red light, in a jam or double-parked
- Holding it without using it is also fined
- Touching the screen on a mount: fineable
- Only the built-in hands-free is allowed
🔓 Exceptions
- Built-in hands-free systems and voice commands without handling the phone
- Properly parked, stationary vehicle (out of traffic)
- Using the navigator only if the phone is fixed and you don't handle it
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Holding the phone while driving brings EUR 200 and the loss of 6 points. Other distractions (earphones, handling the screen) are also fined. New drivers start with 8 points, so a single sanction brings them close to losing the licence. In a crash, phone use can aggravate liability. Recovering points needs time without offences or a recovery course.
📎 Official sources
- DGT · Using the phone at the wheel →
- BOE · Traffic, Circulation and Road Safety Law →
- DGT · Points-based licence →
❓ Frequently asked
Can I hold my phone while driving?
No. Holding the phone in your hand while driving is a serious offence with a EUR 200 fine and the loss of 6 points. Only built-in hands-free systems are allowed.
How many points does the phone cost?
6 points, since the latest Traffic Law reform (up from 3). For a new driver, who starts with 8 points, a single phone fine leaves them very close to losing the licence.
Can I be fined stopped at a red light?
Yes. The ban applies while you occupy the road: moving, stopped at a red light, in a jam or double-parked. To use the phone in your hand you must be properly parked and out of traffic.
Can I touch the phone if it's on a mount?
Not to handle the screen. Touching the phone on a mount while driving is also fined. What's allowed is using it via voice commands or the built-in hands-free, without handling it.
And earphones?
Driving with earphones or headsets connected to a device is banned and fined. Only the built-in hands-free system that doesn't require wearing anything in your ears is valid.
🔎 Common searches
What people search to land here:
- “phone driving fine 200 points”
- “hold phone wheel 6 points”
- “phone red light fine”
- “touch screen mount phone fine”
- “earphones driving banned”
- “phone at wheel dgt 2026”