Belgian police will be organising their fourth nationwide campaign against distracted driving on Tuesday and Wednesday, the law enforcers announced in a press release on Monday.
During the two-day campaign, officers will be on the lookout for drivers using mobile phones while at the wheel.
According to the integrated police force’s traffic statistics, 108,734 offences involving mobile phones at the wheel were recorded last year, slightly fewer than in 2021, when there were 115,094.
During the previous campaign, organised in May, the participating police services recorded a total of 2,681 offences involving the use of a mobile phone while driving.
The Highway Code prohibits drivers from using, holding or operating an electronic device with a screen, unless it is attached to a support provided for this purpose.
The immediate fine for such offences is €174, plus administrative costs, while the offender’s driving licence may be withdrawn immediately. If he or she is summoned to appear before the police court, the fine could be as high as €4,000.
In addition to the use of mobile phones at the wheel, 339 other forms of distraction were observed during last May’s operation, including reading the newspaper, applying make-up and even shaving.
According to the police, distracted driving is one of the main causes of fatal accidents on Belgium's roads.
