Britain tightens ban on mobile phone use behind the wheel. How is it in Slovakia?

The United Kingdom will shine light on drivers who use mobile devices behind the wheel. It has decided to tighten existing laws to improve road safety, she said on the official government website.

United Kingdom: Holding a mobile phone while driving will be illegal, with one exception

It is currently prohibited in the UK to send text messages or make phone calls while driving while holding the device in your hand. Next year, the law will be expanded to include a ban on using the phone to take photos or videos, switch songs or play games.

The ability to control the hands-free device remains, but the rule still remains that the driver must be fully engaged in driving the vehicle. The only exception is contactless mobile payments in drive-thru companies, but the driver can only pull out the smartphone after the vehicle has stopped. The new law will also clarify whether it is legal to use a mobile phone at a traffic light or in a traffic jam.

What about using a mobile phone behind the wheel with us?

The Road Traffic Act prohibits “holding or otherwise operating a telephone or other telecommunications, audiovisual or similar device while driving a vehicle, other than using a freehand system or performing any other similar activity unrelated to driving”.

Therefore, you can only be fined for holding your mobile phone while the vehicle is moving. However, it is not specifically defined what activities you cannot perform while driving on the device. In addition to mobile phones, you must not hold telecommunications equipment such as walkie-talkies or audiovisual equipment such as GPS navigation.

Driving with a mobile phone in hand is not only dangerous, but can also cost you dearly. The amount of the fine can currently climb to 200 euros, with the state collecting tens of thousands of euros on irresponsible drivers in 2019.