Cell phone as a navigation system
That's what you need to know as a young driver
Using your smartphone as a navigation tool is no longer a rarity, many people do it. It's always at hand and you don't have to pay a lot of money for a built-in navigation system.
But how exactly are you allowed to use it so that it complies with the rules and you don't risk a penalty or fine as a novice driver during your probationary period?
As you are not allowed to hold the mobile phone while driving, it must be attached to a cradle in order to be used as a navigation device.
As a driver, you should concentrate on the traffic and not be distracted by the navigation system. A cradle helps to keep the smartphone in place so that even a quick glance is enough to find the way.
Despite a mount, however, you should be careful to keep your attention on the road. This also applies to built-in navigation systems.
If you want to make an entry, for example the destination or an intermediate destination, you have to pull over to the side of the road and switch off the engine, or the passenger takes care of the navigation system. Here, too, the voice control helps with operation in accordance with the rules.
Smartwatch: Can I use it?
In short, the answer is: permission to operate depends on use.
Even though many drivers wear a smartwatch, this case is not yet clearly defined in the Road Traffic Regulations (StVO). There, § 23 StVO states:
"A person driving a vehicle may only use an electronic device which serves or is intended to serve communication, information or organisation if, firstly, the device is neither picked up nor held for this purpose and, secondly, either only a voice control and read-aloud function is used or, for the operation and use of the device, only a brief gaze towards the device, adapted to the road, traffic, visibility and weather conditions, with a simultaneous corresponding averting of the gaze from the traffic situation, is made or required."
This means reading messages, replying to messages or any other use equivalent to that of a smartphone is prohibited. Although the watch is worn on the wrist and is therefore no longer lifted, its available "smart functions" should not be used, as their operation can distract the driver from the road scene. Since "normal functions" such as reading the time only require a very brief glance, these are permitted according to the common reading of §23 StVO.
What happens if you disregard this rule?
Using a cell phone while driving: fine of 128.50 euros + 1 point
... incl. endangerment: Fine of 178.50 euros + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
... incl. damage to property: Fine of 228.50 euros + 2 points + 1 month driving ban
