A number of modifications were made to the existing legal text, which include, among other things, the adaptation of the infractions list and the increase of some fines. For example, in the future, if one is caught using a mobile phone while driving, one will lose 4 point instead of 2 and will be fines 250 euros instead of 145. This year alone, 2,200 standard fines have been issued due to this infraction.
A further change concerns the radars, as the Green’s Chantal Gary explains:
“This draft law introduces a new infraction with regard to the radar systems. In a recent case a person voluntarily placed their vehicle in front of a radar. And until now, there was no legal sanction for this behavior. With this draft law, this act of functional obstruction as well as the destruction or damage of such devices is sanctioned.”
Although the Pirates voted in favour of the text, Marc Goergen pointed out that certain inaccuracies could lead to odd situations.
"[...] first of all, you are talking of an ‘electronic mobile device with a screen’. I don’t know which of you has a digital watch or not, I am one of those who has one. According to the new text, one is no longer allowed to use said watch in the car and one is no longer allowed to check the time on it. Because it is a mobile device with a screen.”
It is also unfortunate that one is not allowed to make phone calls, however, a mobile phone can be used for navigation purposes if it is fixated on a phone holder. In practice, this would present police with major problems. The minister for mobility François Bausch countered that it is often difficult for officers to prove such violations, even today.
Concerning the radars in Hollerich, it was announced that more signs should be put up to warn of the possibility of being flashed there.
In the end, the text was adopted with 56 yes votes, 0 no votes and no abstentions.
