Belgium Tightens Penalties for Using Phones While Driving
Belgian Justice Minister Annelies Verlinden announced the implementation of new legal measures to enhance road safety by imposing stricter penalties on drivers using mobile phones while driving.
Under the new law, using a phone while driving is classified as a third-degree offense, with fines of up to €174 plus administrative costs.
In cases of flagrante delicto, the public prosecutor can issue an immediate driving license suspension for up to 15 days, in a move aimed at promptly deterring distracted drivers.
The ban covers all handheld phone use, whether for making calls, browsing messages, or using maps, unless the device is mounted in a designated holder.
The law emphasizes that stopping at red lights or in traffic jams does not exempt the driver from responsibility, as they remain in an active driving state.
These measures come after shocking statistics showing about 50 deaths and 4,500 injuries annually due to distracted driving.
Police now use smart cameras (ANPR) to detect drivers holding their phones, even without a patrol present on site.
These laws aim to reduce accidents caused by negligence, with intensive inspections expected across all regions to ensure full compliance with the new rules.
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