Until now, only manual calling while driving has been punishable in Belgium, but the country is going to ban almost all the use of smartphones while driving.
In Belgium they have so far been a lot more lenient than in the Netherlands when it comes to telephone use in traffic. Only manual calling is punishable in Belgium. This includes a fine of €116. This will be considerably tightened. Anyone caught reading, scrolling, swiping, typing a route or sending a WhatsApp message risks a fine of €174. This makes it a lot more modern than before. “The rules to tackle this violation date from the time when everyone had a Nokia 3310,” says MP Jef Van den Bergh. The extensive ban also applies to other electronic devices, such as tablets or e-readers. Also, do not lie on the passenger seat or center console before use.
The use of a mobile phone as a navigation system or to listen to music is only allowed when the device is in a holder. “Anyone who uses their mobile phone on their lap as a GPS is also in violation,” says Van den Bergh. Two exceptions are made: if the car is stationary or parked, the telephone or another device may be used. standing at a red light, however, does not fall under the definition of standing still. Even if the device is attached to the vehicle in ‘a holder intended for that purpose’, use – if not touched – is not punishable. The new law will probably come into effect in March and will apply also for cyclists and motorcyclists. It is estimated that at least 30 people die every year in Belgian traffic as a result of using a telephone behind the wheel. About 2,500 people are injured each year, reports The last news.
– Thanks for information from Autoweek.nl