Why is touching your phone prohibited but not other car controls?

  • The law prohibits manipulating a cell phone and penalizes distracted driving.
  • Using and touching car screens is punishable if it causes danger or distraction.
  • The fine is €200 and up to 6 points if there is misuse of the mobile phone.
  • Regulations are evolving, and physical buttons are increasingly recommended for security.

Man using a mobile phone in a car

In recent years, doubts about If it is legal to touch the screen of the car or the mobile phone while driving have been increasing due to technological changes and the evolution of traffic regulations. Drivers often wonder why it's strictly forbidden to use a cell phone while driving, but they can—in certain situations—interact with the car's touchscreen. Evaluating this difference, in which cases you can be sanctioned, and even when you can be fined even if you're stopped at a traffic light, is essential to avoid complications on the road... and in your pocket!

We will delve into the legal and practical reasons behind these regulations, what room for maneuver there really is, how technology affects road safety and resolve all doubts about Why does touching the car screen seem to be allowed, but not on the mobile phone?, but with many nuances and warnings to take into account.

Current regulations and their reasons: mobile, radio and touchscreen under the microscope

La Traffic Law and Directorate General of Traffic (DGT) They have significantly toughened the penalties associated with using a cell phone while driving. After several years of being one of the main causes of accidents and distracted driving, the regulations have become stricter:

  • Using your cell phone while driving It is a serious offense, even if it is only to hold it in your hand without manipulating it.
  • The fine for this reason amounts to 200 euros and the withdrawal of 6 points from the driver's license., according to the latest legal amendment.
  • The risk of taking your attention off the road for even a few seconds is so high that regulations consider even holding a phone while driving a vehicle punishable.

Now, What about touchscreens integrated into the dashboard or multimedia systems in modern cars? Although it may seem contradictory, the law is not as harsh or specific on this issue:

  • Tampering with touch screens or integrated multimedia systems may result in a fine. If the law enforcement officer determines that such action constituted a serious distraction.
  • In the case of entering an address into the GPS, navigating through menus or performing any complex action that involves diverting attention, it can lead to a fine of 200 euros and withdrawal of 3 points on the card.
  • However, actions considered simple as turn up the radio volume or adjust the temperature They are rarely sanctioned, unless the officer believes that health and road safety have been endangered by the distraction.

Why is mobile phone penalized more than car screens?

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Both the Civil Guard and the DGT agents agree that the mobile is much more distracting than a built-in screenMobile phones are often used for a wide variety of non-driving functions: checking messages, checking notifications, interacting on social media, reading emails, or even taking videos or photos. These actions require taking your eyes off the road and at least one hand off the wheel for excessive periods of time, drastically impairing your ability to react.

For its part, The car's touchscreen is specifically designed to interact with certain vehicle functions. such as climate control, radio, navigation, or on-board computers. In theory, they should be more accessible and less intrusive when driving, although this isn't always the case. Many modern vehicles currently require users to navigate through multiple menus for simple tasks such as adjusting the temperature, which can increase the risk of distraction.

This has led to Euro NCAP (European Road Safety Authority) and various safety agencies have recommended that manufacturers return to physical buttons for certain key tasks., allowing the driver to identify and activate essential functions without taking their eyes off the road.

Fines and penalties associated with screens, mobile phones and other devices

The law is very specific regarding cell phone tampering, but less so regarding touchscreens. Let's look at the main cases and the associated penalties:

  • Using or holding a mobile phone while driving: 200 euro fine and 6 points deducted.
  • Manipulating GPS navigators, tablets or other electronic devices while driving: also punishable by 200 euros and 3 or 6 points (depending on the circumstances or if it is a mobile phone).
  • Interact with the car's touchscreen for complex actions (such as entering a moving destination): punishable by 200 euros and the loss of up to 3 points.
  • Adjust the volume, tune to a station, or change the climate control on the screen: In principle, no sanctions are imposed unless the officer determines that there was a real danger to road safety.

One of the big questions is what happens when the vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or in a traffic jamThe law is clear: as long as we are not properly parked and the vehicle is immobilized, we remain actively responsible for driving, therefore Using a mobile phone or manipulating screens can be grounds for a fine. in those situations.

What exactly does the law say about device tampering?

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Article 18 of the Traffic and Road Safety Law establishes that The driver is obliged to maintain freedom of movement, field of vision and constant attention to driving.Therefore, any action that involves losing control or taking your eyes off the road will be subject to sanctions.

Furthermore, Article 76 penalizes as a serious offense Driving manually using navigators or any other communication systemThis includes GPS devices, built-in screens, and even mobile phones themselves if they function as navigators, even when not being held in the hand. In other words, handling not only the mobile phone is prohibited, but also any device that distracts from driving, even if it's integrated into the car.

In the case of being stopped at a traffic light, the regulations consider it a “stop”, not an “immobilization”, so Manipulation of mobile phones or other screens is not permitted. While we wait. This nuance is important, because many people mistakenly believe they can send texts, check their GPS, or touch any screen while stuck in traffic or at a traffic light, when the reality is that a fine could still come.

In what cases is it allowed to manipulate devices?

The only situation exempt from sanction is when the vehicle is completely stopped and properly parkedIn this case, the driver is considered not actively driving and can program the GPS, check their phone, change settings on the screen, or do any other action (as long as they safely resume driving afterward).

Furthermore, The use of steering wheel controls or voice assistants is permitted For certain functions, such as answering a call, changing the station, or adjusting the temperature, as long as it doesn't require diverting your attention from the road or taking your hands off the wheel. Many manufacturers have implemented integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or virtual assistants to minimize risks. The DGT recommends configuring the GPS, radio stations, and climate control before starting the trip, not while driving.

What can the DGT actually fine? Common examples

  • Adjust the GPS by touching the screen while the vehicle is moving.
  • Navigating complex multimedia system menus while driving.
  • Using your phone to check traffic, WhatsApp, or for any other purpose, even if it's on a stand.
  • Manipulating the screen while stopped at a traffic light or in a traffic jam, especially for actions that require prolonged visual or manual attention.
  • Holding your mobile phone, even if you are not actively using it (just holding it in your hand is a reason for a fine).

Experience shows that officers generally use common sense and professional judgment to assess whether an action qualifies as a significant distraction. However, Any unnecessary manipulation is liable to be punished.

Security: the underlying reason behind all the restrictions

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The origin of these restrictions lies in the need to reduce the number of accidents caused by distracted drivingMore than 30% of traffic accidents are caused by distractions, and in recent years, touchscreens and mobile phones have significantly increased this problem. A distraction of just 3 seconds at 120 km/h is enough to travel more than 100 meters "blindfold."

Thus, road safety and the protection of all road users take priority over digital convenience. The most sensible recommendation is not to manipulate electronic devices while driving and to program everything necessary before driving.Any essential adjustments should only be made when the vehicle is securely stopped and in a safe location.

Today, moreover, a shift is taking place: manufacturers are reconsidering the complete digitalization of cars, and many are already opting to return to physical buttons for essential functions. Starting in 2026, Euro NCAP will require certain controls (turn signals, hazard lights, windshield wipers, and horn) to have physical controls in order to achieve the highest safety rating.

Although Spanish law has not yet outright banned the manipulation of integrated screens, it does penalize any use that causes significant distraction. The basic advice: Anything you can't do without losing focus on the road, you'd better wait until you're parked.When in doubt, the safest—and most economical—thing is to avoid any manipulation of screens, whether mobile or car screens, while your vehicle is moving or simply stopped at a traffic light.


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