Part 8 of 8 in General Legislation & Driver Requirements
Police checks, breath tests and phone use
Phone fine in a Dutch car: €430 for holding it while driving (2025). Learn what is allowed with a holder, on a bicycle and at a police stop or breath test.
Written by Chris Prosman Reviewed by Dirk van Zuijlen
Updated Reviewed on 4 min read
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Holding your phone while driving is forbidden, in a car and on a bicycle. Here you read how high the fine is, what is allowed with a holder or hands-free, and what to do when the police signal you to stop or ask for a breath test.
What is the fine for using your phone while driving in the Netherlands?
If you hold your phone while driving, you get a fine of €430 (2025 amount), plus administration costs. Source: OM: distraction in traffic. The current amount is in the OM fines database (Boetebase).
You can also get that fine without being stopped by the police. The Public Prosecution Service uses cameras that see whether a driver is holding a phone. The fine then goes to the registered keeper of the car.
The ban applies to any device you use to call, text or look at information, such as a phone or tablet. It does not matter whether the device is switched on. Rolling slowly in a traffic jam also counts as driving. And standing still at a red light or in a traffic jam counts as driving too.
Can you touch your phone while driving?
Only if it is in a phone holder. Then you may use it. If you take it out of the holder or off your lap, you are holding it. That is not allowed. Source: Dutch government: texting and calling in traffic.
| Situation | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Phone in your hand while driving | No, not even when it is off. |
| Phone between ear and shoulder | No, that counts as holding. |
| Phone in a holder | Yes, but do not get distracted. |
| Hands-free calling or voice control | Yes. |
| Stopped at a red light or in a traffic jam | No. You are still taking part in traffic, so that counts as driving. |
| Safely parked | Yes. That is the best place for a call. |
Even in a holder your phone can distract you. If you drive dangerously because of it, you can still get a fine. Set your route before you leave and switch off notifications. Want a long call? Park in a permitted place. The hard shoulder is not a place to make calls.
Can you hold your phone while cycling?
No. On a bicycle you may not hold a phone while riding either, not even briefly. This also applies on a scooter or moped. The fine amount is in the OM fines database (Boetebase).
Hands-free calling and music with earphones are allowed. Keep the volume low enough to hear the traffic, or use one earphone.
Following police instructions in traffic
An instruction from the police comes before traffic lights, signs and normal traffic rules. You must always follow it.
A stop signal from the police
Do the police or customs signal you to stop? Then brake calmly and stop where they point. Do not make a dangerous emergency stop. A signal from a police car can also be meant for you.
Sign F10 means stop. It is a different sign from the octagonal stop sign B7 at a junction. At a check you show your licence and registration card. See licence and documents.
A breath test or drug test
Do the police ask you to blow into a breath tester or take a saliva test? Then you must cooperate, even if you have not been drinking. If the first test is positive, a second test often follows, such as a breath analysis or blood test.
Refusing is a criminal offence. If you refuse an ordered alcohol test, the police can take your licence and you can get a CBR course. Do you have a medical reason? Say so straight away. Read more under alcohol limits and your licence.
Practise like the exam
Example questions like in the CBR exam
Real questions from the Theorio app. You can expect similar questions in your CBR exam.
Question 1 of 5
You do not use your phone while driving, but you do hold it in your hand. Is that allowed?
Tap the answer you think is right.
Are you allowed to use your phone here to call a friend?
Tap the answer you think is right.
How can you safely answer your mobile phone?
Tap the answer you think is right.
What should you do?
Tap the answer you think is right.
The customs officer has given you a stop sign. When should you stop?
Tap the answer you think is right.
Answers and explanations for the example questions
Question 1: You do not use your phone while driving, but you do hold it in your hand. Is that allowed?
Correct answer: No
You are not allowed to hold the phone. It does not matter what you are doing. Even if you are not calling, it is not allowed. Even if the screen is black, it is not allowed. You have the phone in your hand. That is prohibited. You must have your hands free to steer.
Question 2: Are you allowed to use your phone here to call a friend?
Correct answer: No
You may never use a handheld phone 📵 while actively participating in traffic. This also applies if you are stopped at a traffic light. Only calling when fully parked is allowed.
Question 3: How can you safely answer your mobile phone?
Correct answer: In a parking lot
It is forbidden to drive and call at the same time with your phone in your hand. Hands-free calling is allowed. But the safest is in the parking lot where the car is stationary.
Question 4: What should you do?
Correct answer: Release the gas
The police give a signal that you need to reduce speed and keep your distance. It is therefore wise to release the gas. 🚓
Question 5: The customs officer has given you a stop sign. When should you stop?
Correct answer: Always
The customs is just like the police. If they say you need to stop? Then you must listen. It doesn't matter where you are driving. And it doesn't matter if you have bags with you. You must always stop.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to questions that often come up on this subject.
What happens if you refuse a breath test?
You must cooperate with a lawfully required test. Refusal can be an offence. Refusing an ordered alcohol investigation can lead to licence confiscation and a CBR measure such as EMA. The type of test and circumstances determine the consequences; not every screening refusal automatically produces the same measure. Report a medical obstacle immediately.
May you hold your phone while waiting at a red traffic light?
Yes, when the car is actually stationary at red, the holding-while-driving prohibition does not apply. Put the phone away before moving: even slow rolling is driving. Remain attentive to traffic. Operating a secured phone or calling hands-free is not prohibited in itself, but dangerous distraction can still be punishable.
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