Leuven (The Brussels Morning Newspaper): In March, a campaign targeting mobile phone use while driving led to the apprehension of 600 drivers. Offenders face a 15-day license suspension and potential court summons, while cyclists receive fines. Authorities emphasize the serious risks of distracted driving to enhance road safety.
In March, a major enforcement campaign was launched targeting drivers using mobile phones while driving, resulting in the apprehension of 600 drivers. The police increased their focus on this dangerous behavior to improve road safety and reduce distractions for drivers. Ellen Durie from the Leuven public prosecutor’s office emphasized that those caught using their mobile phones while driving face serious consequences.
What are the consequences for distracted driving in Leuven?
It has been said that drivers who break this rule will have their driving licenses suspended for 15 days, showing how serious the offense is. This immediate penalty acts as a deterrent and shows the authorities’ commitment to enforcing road safety regulations and reducing the risks associated with distracted driving. The 15-day driving license suspension for drivers caught using a mobile phone the police will also prepare a detailed report on the offense. This report will be used to summon the offending drivers to appear before a police court. The judicial process ensures that the drivers are formally held accountable for their actions and may face further legal consequences.
It has been said that for cyclists caught using mobile phones the situation is different. Instead of having their license suspended cyclists will receive a fine for the offense. However, if a cyclist’s behavior is considered particularly dangerous or reckless the public prosecutor’s office can decide to summon the cyclist to court even if the initial expectation was just a fine. This rule aims to address more serious cases of distracted cycling and ensure that all road users follow safety regulations.
“This is already the fifth time we’ve been doing extra checks for a whole month and taking strict action against people who break the rules. We want to make sure everyone follows the rules because everyone knows that using a mobile phone while driving greatly increases the chances of accidents,” Durie said. In Hageland, there will also be extra checks for using phones while driving for a month. They mentioned that if you’re caught as a driver, you’ll immediately lose your driving license and have to explain yourself in court. In February, Pommelien started a campaign with VRT to warn people about the dangers of using a phone while driving.
