Using a mobile phone while driving by country
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
Rules on holding or using a mobile phone while driving a car, including hands-free use and the penalty. Pick a country for the full list of rules, each with its official source.
| Country | Holding a phone while driving banned | Hands-free use | Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies) | Penalty points on the licence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germany | Banned | Voice control only, or a brief glance | EUR 100 | 1 point |
| Netherlands | Banned | Hands-free allowed | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United Kingdom | Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Great Britain: Banned | Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Great Britain: Hands-free allowed | Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Great Britain: GBP 200 | Using a mobile phone while driving a car, Great Britain: 6 points |
| France | Banned | Ear-worn devices banned | EUR 135 | 3 points |
| Spain | Banned | No hands, helmets or headphones | EUR 200 | 6 points |
| Italy | Banned | Headphones banned; no hands off the wheel | EUR 250 to 1,000 | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| United States | — | — | — | — |
| Canada | — | — | — | — |
| Mexico | — | — | — | — |
| Ireland | Banned | Hands-free allowed | EUR 120 fixed charge | 3 points |
| Australia | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Poland | Banned | Hands-free allowed | PLN 500 on-the-spot fine | 12 points |
| Portugal | Banned | Single earpiece or speaker only | EUR 250 to 1,250 | 3 points |
| Denmark | Banned | Hands-free allowed | DKK 1,500 | 1 clip |
Before you rely on it
This comparison covers national rules, and for the United States, Canada and Mexico also state or provincial rules where the topic is set regionally. Other regional or local rules can apply on top of them, and rules change. A rule marked “to verify” has not yet been confirmed against an official source. Each country page links to the official sources, and those are the place to confirm the details before you act.
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.