Smartphone use: West Flanders revoked over 2,000 driver’s licenses

Over 2,000 driver’s licenses have been revoked in West Flanders in the past seven months for using mobile phones while driving. “A strict approach remains necessary to implement a change in mentality and make our roads safer,” says Crown prosecutor Filiep Jodts of the West Flanders public prosecutor’s office.

That is also why the West Flemish public prosecutor’s office takes strict action against the violation. Anyone caught using a mobile phone while driving must immediately hand in their driver’s license for 15 days. Violators will also receive an amicable settlement of 245.10 euros or can be summoned.

The main cause of accidents

Distraction due to cell phone or smartphone use while behind the wheel remains one of the main causes of traffic accidents. Research shows that this causes up to 50 deaths and 4,500 people to be injured in traffic every year.

From January 1st, drivers in Flanders will lose their driver’s licenses when caught using their cell phones while driving. The measure was already in force in some parts of Flanders – East and West Flanders, Limburg, and the Halle-Vilvoorde region – but it now applies throughout the Flemish part of the country.

Driving ban and fine

Violators may immediately hand in their driver’s license for two weeks and will receive an additional fine of 174 euros. Professional drivers, such as taxi or truck drivers, will also have to answer before the police court, where they risk a fine of up to 4,000 euros and a driving ban of up to five years. The stricter rules do not only apply to car drivers: anyone who rides a bicycle or motorbike can also be fined.

The Flemish Foundation for Traffic Science (Vlaamse Stichting Verkeerskunde, VSV) welcomes the stricter approach. “People realize that the distraction is life-threatening, and yet many continue to do it,” says Werner De Dobbeeleer, spokesperson for VSV.

In 2023, the police issued an average of 314 fines every day.