In future motorists caught using their mobile phone while driving in West Flanders will be banned from driving for a period of 15 days. Previously this was only the case during police clampdowns on mobile phone use. Now the measure will be applied permanently. By now issuing a two-week driving ban as a matter of course to any motorist caught using their phone in any other way than hands-free while driving the West Flanders public prosecutor's office is following the example set by public prosecutors in Limburg and Halle-Vilvoorde (Flemish Brabant).
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15-day ban for West Flemish motorists caught using their mobile phone while driving
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The authorities have been getting tougher on the use of mobile phones while driving. Using a mobile phone while driving a motor vehicle or riding a bicycle constitutes a so-called “third degree traffic offence”. The police can impose an on-the-spot fine of 174 euro plus administrative costs.
This is a minimum fine and as is already the case in Halle-Vilvoorde and Limburg and in future will be the case in West Flanders, prosecutors can impose additional sanctions be taken as matter of course.
In addition to having to surrender their driving licence for 15 days, motorists caught using their mobile phone behind the wheel in West Flanders will have to appear before a magistrate who can impose a fine.
The measure applies not only to those who effectively drive a car, bus and lorry drivers but also to those riding speed pedelecs (fast electric bicycles). In addition to mobile phones, tablets are also covered by the measure.