Distracted Driving Fines Soar in Canary Islands
Fines for distracted driving, particularly mobile phone and headphone use, have significantly increased in the Canary Islands, according to AEA data, highlighting a growing danger on Spanish roads.
Driving while distracted, especially by electronic devices, is becoming a major danger on Spanish roads. This worrying trend is clear from the rising number of fines given out for using mobile phones and headphones, according to new figures from Automovilistas Europeos Asociados (AEA) for the Canary Islands.
AEA's data shows that fines for using mobile phones or headphones while driving in the Canary Islands went up significantly in 2024. A total of 9,302 drivers were caught using their mobile phones, which is more than the 8,428 caught in 2023. Also, 903 drivers were fined for using headphones, up from 859 the year before – a 5.12% increase for this specific offence.
This kind of behaviour goes against Article 18 of the General Traffic Regulations. This rule clearly states that drivers cannot use mobile phones or other communication devices unless they are hands-free and don't involve headphones or similar items. The General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has repeatedly stressed that touching these devices by hand, even for sat-navs or sending messages, can lead to a fine.
The penalties for breaking these rules are serious. If you're caught holding a mobile phone, you'll get a 200-euro fine and lose 6 points from your driving license. For using headphones, the fine is also 200 euros, but you'll lose 3 points instead. The DGT highlights that these devices significantly increase the risk of accidents on the roads.
To stop drivers from being tempted to touch their screens, the rules even forbid holding a mobile phone, even if it's switched off. You also can't place it in easy-to-reach spots like on your lap, dashboard, or instrument panel. Authorities suggest putting your phone in the glove compartment, along with your V16 emergency beacon, or in a bag or backpack. This makes sure the driver can't easily get to it and therefore won't use it while driving.