In an effort to curb road accidents, Luxembourg's Ministry of Mobility is introducing new measures to crack down on smartphone usage behind the wheel.
Draft Bill No 7985, which is part of the latest road safety plan, introduces key changes concerning devices with screens, particularly smartphones.
The prevalence of making phone calls, texting, and internet surfing among drivers is a growing concern. Currently, approximately 10% of lost points on driving licences in Luxembourg are attributed to mobile phone use while driving. According to a French study cited by the Ministry of Mobility, using mobile phones while driving triples the risk of accidents.
To address this issue, the Ministry is implementing stricter penalties for mobile phone usage. Fines will be raised from €145 to €250, and the penalty points will increase from two to four in the future, as explained by Alain Disiviscour, an advisor at the Ministry of Mobility.
One significant change is that the ban on mobile phone use now extends to situations when the car is stationary on the roadway. In the past, drivers were allowed to use their phones during traffic jams or at red lights. However, this is no longer permissible due to potential risks posed by pedestrians crossing the road even during these stops.
While there is an exception for parking situations, using the mobile phone on a fixed support is also prohibited. The device can be used as a navigation tool only if the destination address is entered before driving. Alternatively, the smartphone can be connected to the car's infotainment system and controlled through that.
The new regulations also apply to motorbike riders. Communication systems must be integrated into the helmet or securely attached to it; failure to comply may result in the same fines.
Regarding enforcement, the Ministry assures that police officers have been involved in drafting the law, bringing clarity to the controls. Despite challenges, the police are committed to monitoring compliance effectively.
Currently, the speed cameras used in Luxembourg do not detect mobile phone use. The Ministry is exploring specialised devices used in the Netherlands to address this issue, but their availability is limited at present.
It is worth noting that there are no major changes to the penal code regarding alcohol and speed with the new law.
