Millions of Brits will be heading to the Continent this summer, but many won’t know the rules governing the use of mobile phones while driving.
With thousands of us driving in France alone, how many realise French authorities recently banned the use of headphones and earphones for drivers taking calls – or simply listening to music?
Find out the rules governing the use of mobile phones while driving in the European country you’re travelling to
The French ban is designed to prevent motorists becoming distracted from their environment due to the use of headphones or earphones. Ignoring this could result in an on-the-spot fine of €135 (around £113). This includes Bluetooth headsets, meaning all calls must be through a system with an external speaker and microphones.
The use of hand-held smartphones and wearing of headphones is also illegal in Spain when driving and can be punished by a fine of several hundred euros. ‘Hands-free’ sets are allowed, although they must be without earphones. It’s also illegal to use your phone on its internal speaker – in walkie-talkie fashion.
French and Spanish motorists will also receive a 3-point penalty, however this would not apply to UK licences under the the new EU Cross-Border Enforcement Directive that’s just come into force for UK-registered drivers on the Continent.
DRIVING IN FRANCE? MAKE SURE YOU’RE AWARE OF THE NEW CRIT’AIR STICKERS
Using mobile phones while driving in Europe
Here’s the full list of rule covering the use of mobile phones while driving in Europe. Information is taken from the European Commission website. Please remember, it’s your responsibility to check current laws before driving in any country.
| Country | Allowed to use mobile phone while driving | Other info |
| Austria |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Belgium |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Bulgaria |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Croatia |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Cyprus |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Czech Republic |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Denmark |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Estonia |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Finland |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| France |
Yes with hands-free
|
No headphones or earphones
|
| Germany |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Greece |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Hungary |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Ireland |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Italy |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Latvia |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Liechtenstein |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Lithuania |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Luxembourg |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Malta |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Netherlands |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Norway |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Poland |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Portugal |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Romania |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Slovakia |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Slovenia |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Spain |
Yes with hands-free
|
No headphones or earphones
|
| Sweden |
Yes without hands-free
|
N/A
|
| Switzerland |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
| United Kingdom |
Yes with hands-free
|
N/A
|
Don’t forget your Crit Air sticker if heading to Paris, Lyon or Grenoble
Brits heading to Paris, Grenoble and Lyon will need to pick up a Crit’Air anti-pollution sticker before crossing the Channel. Watch the video below or click here for information on getting a sticker for Paris and here for how it works in Lyon.