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The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has announced a raft of new driving regulations, most of which will come into effect in March of this year. In addition to a zero alcohol tolerance for minors and increased penalties for not wearing a seatbelt or using a child seat correctly, most motorists are probably aware of the traffic authority’s plan to crack down on mobile phone use while driving.

 

Last year, the DGT stipulated that holding a mobile behind the wheel would be considered a serious offence and carry a fine of 200 euros. In addition, the number of points removed from a driving licence will be increased from three to six.

 

However, officials have decided to take an even tougher line and plan to impose the same penalties for motorists caught touching any devices, even when they are secured by a hands free kit. This means that drivers using their phones as a GPS can’t enter or change the navigation settings while the car is moving, unless they want to suffer the hefty consequences.

 

 

 

Image: DGT