Tougher penalties fail to stop drivers using phones

Police registered 152 drivers for using a handheld phone while driving in the first 10 months of this year, despite tougher penalties, KVF reports.

The Road Safety Council, Trygd and Betri insurance are launching a two-week campaign on Monday called “Drive a car when you drive a car.” Police will check whether drivers are using handheld phones.

The fine for using a handheld phone while driving rose from 1,000 to 1,500 kroner about 18 months ago, and offenders also receive penalty points on their driving licences. The stricter law took effect on May 29, 2024.

Early figures showed a sharp fall in the number of drivers caught after the change. Last year, 82 drivers were caught using a handheld phone or other electronic equipment, but the number is now rising again. The Road Safety Council says it is too early to know the law’s long-term impact.

Karl Leonsson, head of the police traffic department, said the tougher penalties have not yet persuaded drivers to put their phones away. Instead, some appear to have changed their behaviour by keeping phones in their laps and looking down rather than at the road.