These are the new traffic rules that are valid since the first quarter of 2022

Speeding

Anyone who drives faster than allowed and is caught doing so will have to pay a fine. Even one km/h faster than permitted can be expensive. The following list shows what a speeding violation will cost if caught:

Cell phone use while driving

Anyone who uses a mobile phone or smartphone while driving and is caught doing so must expect a fine of 200 Euros and 3 points. If you hold your mobile phone in your hand, you can get a fine of 200 Euros and lose 6 points.

Driving without a seat belt

The seat belt is designed to protect car occupants from serious injuries. Anyone who does not use a seat belt while driving can be fined: after the new law you have to pay a fine of about 200 Euros and lose 4 points for this violation. The same penalty applies if children are not transported in an appropriate child seat while driving.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Minors (i.e. persons under the age of 18) may only operate vehicles (motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, bicycles, etc.) if they have 0% alcohol in their blood. If you violate this law you can be fined with up to 500 Euros and the loss of 4 points. A person who is caught with alcohol in blood while driving a vehicle that does not require a registration, such as e-bikes, e-scooters, etc., will not receive any points. For novice drivers and professional drivers, there is a maximum alcohol content in breath of 0.15mg/l. For all others, 0.25mg/l of alcohol in the breath applies. An alcohol content of 0.6mg/l in the breath constitutes a crime. Any form of drugs in the body is severely sanctioned.

Minimum distance when passing cyclists

Drivers who maintain less than 1.5 meters of lateral distance when passing a cyclist and are caught doing so will be fined 200 Euros and the loss of 6 points. On roads with two lanes in each direction, a lane change is mandatory when passing a cyclist or moped. It is also forbidden to stop or even park your car or motorcycle on a bike lane.

Throwing objects from a car

You often see drivers throwing a cigarette or other trash out of their car. This is now to be put to an end. Drivers who are caught throwing objects, that could cause accidents or fires, out of their car will be fined 500 Euros and the loss of 6 points.

Use of radar detectors

Anyone who has warning systems installed in the car and is caught with it will have to pay a fine of 200 Euros and lose 3 points. Previously, only the use of such a device was prohibited, but not the possession (installed in the car). This circumstance has been removed with the new law. In addition, garages that install radar detectors can now be fined from 3.000 to 20.000 Euros.

Motorcyclists: no helmet and minimum age

The motorcyclist is obliged to ensure that the passenger also wears a helmet and has reached the minimum age to be allowed to ride as a passenger on a motorcycle. The passenger must generally be at least 12 years old, wear an approved helmet which matches perfectly and sit behind the driver. Both of the passenger's feet must be on the side steps.

However, there is an exception. Children over the age of seven may ride as a passenger on a motorcycle if the following conditions are met: The driver of the motorcycle or scooter must be the child's father, mother or an authorized representative. Violation will result in a fine of 200 euros and 4 points.