The offense will increase from 2nd to 3rd degree, i.e. a fine increasing from 116 to 174 euros for the driver. Concretely, it will now be stipulated in the highway code that a driver is not authorized to “use, hold or manipulate a mobile device with a screen, unless it is fixed to the vehicle in a support provided for this purpose” .
That is to say, it will no longer be possible to make calls, even if your smartphone is on the center console, the passenger seat or on your lap. It must be hung on a suitable support. The rule also applies if you use the navigation function or a music player.
So far, only the phone was targeted. Now all electronic devices are, such as GPS or tablets.
This will not apply when the vehicle is stationary or parked.
This new regulation had been approved in January by the Chamber, on a bill from the CD&V. The text was accepted by all parties, except for the vote once morest by the PTB and the abstention by Vlaams Belang.
