Fines for violating the mobile phone ban while driving or for wearing seatbelts and helmets will be increased. In the future, it will cost 100 euros instead of 50 euros if drivers are caught driving. If the driver steps into a speed trap with a mobile phone in his hand, it becomes even more expensive.
In concrete terms, “flashing” with a mobile phone in hand can cost up to 140 euros, previously it was 72 euros. Disregarding seatbelt and helmet requirements will also become more expensive. The fines for this will be increased from 35 euros to 50 euros.
A corresponding amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act (KFG) was passed by the Transport Committee of the National Council on Wednesday evening. They also spoke out in favor of an information campaign to sensitize administrators.
More rules for driving instructors
There are also innovations for driving instructors: training must be more practical and regular refresher courses must be compulsory. In the future, a written training contract must be concluded between driving school owners or driving school directors and the person in training for each driving course. A driving instructor ID in the form of a credit card is also entered.
Change in transfer journeys
In addition, according to the 41st amendment of the KFG, a “reference to Austria” will also be required in the future for the approval of transfer journeys. Previously, there were always cases of abuse on such journeys: according to statements, vehicles with an Austrian transfer number plate were brought from Belgium to Morocco.
NEOS voted with government parties
The NEOS agreed to the federal government’s package. Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) sees the measures as increasing road safety. Criticism of the increased sentences came from the SPÖ and FPÖ. As early as 2021, the State Transport Conference called for an increase in legal penalties for violating the ban on mobile phones behind the wheel or violating the seatbelt or helmet requirement. In early March, the federal government then launched the comprehensive 41st amendment to the KFG. It should come into effect in May.
According to the Ministry of the Interior, 88,394 seat belt violations were recorded in Austria in 2022. 130,540 drivers were reported for using the phone while driving without a hands-free device or were punished on the spot with a warrant.
Source: Krone
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