Controls on the autobahn Police initiative against illegal cell phone use
Düsseldorf · Police are cracking down on illegal cell phone use by motorists on the autobahn because of the dangers this imposes. Read here about Germany’s law when it comes to cell phones and driving.
Police fears were confirmed when they heard the reason a motorist gave for speeding on the autobahn: The driver said he had been speaking on the phone on his hands free device and he missed seeing the posted speed limit. He had been driving 63 kph faster then allowed through the Ruhr area and was stopped by police. The NRW Interior Ministry released the information on Tuesday in an interim report on their main focus for controls on the autobahn. For the offending driver, it was expensive: a 240 euro fine, one month of driving suspended and two points on the Flensburg record.
Distraction make drivers oblivious to dangers
Police also reported having pulled another driver aside, who was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Other examples included a truck driver who was on the phone and tailgating another car, and a driver who was also driving aggressively close to another car and passing on the right. “Clearly, some are oblivious to the dangers through distraction, speeding and tailgating,” said NRW Interior Minister Ralf Jäger. Speeding, distraction and tailgating all lead to serious accidents. “For these reasons, police will be particularly focused on this,” he added. Every little glance at a smartphone while driving is a potentially life-threatening situation.
The 24-hour autobahn control initiative with around 400 police officers is meant to increase safety. The number of accidents on NRW autobahns increased by one third in the past year. A total of 80 persons were killed in accidents on the autobahn.
What is the law concerning cell phones and driving in Germany?
According to the Bußgeldkatalog 2017 (penalties catalog for driving violations), if you are on your mobile while driving or while you are stopped with a running motor, you will receive a 60 euro fine and one point on your Flensburg record. If a traffic offender gathers 8 points on their Flensburg account, their driving license will be revoked. Motorists who have a hands free mobile system in their car are allowed to use their phones.
Reading or writing e-mails, or text messages is also forbidden while driving. Using the navigation system on a cell phone, if it requires a hand held approach is also prohibited. Turning off an incoming phone call is also not allowed while driving. If a driver is in a traffic jam or at a red light and the motor of the car is turned off, then cell phone use is allowed, as long as this is ended before the motor is turned back on again.
(Orig. text: dpa/ck)
