Man prosecuted for using mobile phone while driving - few cases decided in court
According to Kristianstad District Court, only a few cases of using a mobile phone while driving has led to prosecution. Instead, people may have been given penalty orders or fined (1500 crowns) directly on the spot by the police.
If the suspect admits that he or she has committed the crime and it is clear what the punishment is, the prosecutor can give a so-called penalty order.
SVT reports that a total of 1,075 prosecution or penalty orders were made in 2018 (eleven months) in Sweden in accordance with the new law. More than twice as many, 2341, were fined by police on the spot in the first year (twelve months).
Mobile phone ban while driving
Driving a car while using your mobile phone causes many car accidents. From the 1st of February 2018, it has been banned to use a mobile phone when driving a motor vehicle - if you are holding the mobile phone in your hand. The ban also applies to other communications equipment such as GPS.
If you violate the ban, you can be fined and lose your driving license. If you have recently got your license, you may have to retake the driving test.
