Penalty for cell phone driving to increase significantly

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Fines for violations of the cell phone ban behind the wheel will be increased – and significantly.

Cell phone behind the wheel: higher fines to be paid in future
If drivers are caught while driving, it will cost 100 euros instead of 50 euros. If payment is refused or drivers are caught in a speed trap with a cell phone in their hand, the fine can be up to 140 euros. Previously, it was 72 euros. The Traffic Committee of the National Council passed a corresponding amendment to the Motor Vehicle Act (KFG) Wednesday evening.

More expensive also disregard the belt and crash helmet obligation becomes. The penalties for this will be increased from 35 euros to 50 euros. The Transport Committee also spoke out in favour of an information campaign to raise awareness among drivers.

There are also innovations for driving instructors: training is to be made more practical, and regular advanced training courses are to become mandatory. In addition, a written training contract will have to be concluded between the driving school owner or manager and the trainee for every driving course in the future. A driving instructor’s card in credit card format will also be introduced.

According to the 41st KFG amendment, an “Austria reference” will also be required to approve transfer journeys. Previously, there had been repeated cases of abuse during such travels: for example, according to the explanatory notes, vehicles with Austrian transfer license plates were taken from Belgium to Morocco.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, 88,394 violations of the seat belt requirement were recorded throughout Austria in 2022. One hundred thirty thousand five hundred forty drivers were reported for making phone calls at the wheel without a hands-free device or punished on the spot using an administrative penalty order.