Since June 2024, drivers caught using their phones while driving in West Flanders have faced a 15-day suspension of their licenses. Over the past year, authorities there recorded 3,589 licence suspensions.
These offenders may also be summoned to appear before a police court, or they can settle the matter with an out-of-court payment of €245.10.
“The use of mobile phones while driving is a leading cause of road accidents,” notes the Office of the Public Prosecutor of West Flanders. Drivers struggle to control their speed and react more slowly, increasing the risk of spins and other accidents.
On average, ten licences were suspended each day in 2024 within the province, while 1,413 cases were referred to the police court.
“A strong measure is necessary to change mindsets and enhance road safety,” prosecutor Filiep Jodts stresses. “Drivers must realise it’s not just about protecting their lives but also the lives of others they endanger.”
In Wallonia, using a phone without a proper hands-free setup is a third-degree offence, carrying an immediate fine of €174.
