Mobile phone use while driving can be very expensive, both because of DGT fines and because of the risk of distracting attention from driving. For this reason, there are those who breathe with relief when they discover that they have Android Auto in their car: error, the use of the Google infotainment system also risks being distracted and receiving a sanction with traffic law, motor vehicle traffic and road safety in hand. These are the cases in which DGT can fine you using Android Auto.
what the law says
From three to six points and a fine of 200 dollars It is the punishment for using the mobile phone while driving, but beware, the penalties are not limited only to the mobile and only if we use it: it is enough to have it in hand and other communication systems are also included in the use of devices, navigators or the screen with the infotainment system of the vehicle. If we talk about distractions due to the presence of devices, the fine is 100 dollars.
We are particularly interested in two specific articles of the law on traffic, motor vehicle traffic and road safety:
Article 13.2 says the following: “The driver of a vehicle is required to maintain his own freedom of movement, the necessary field of vision and constant attention to driving, which guarantee his own safety, that of the other occupants of the vehicle and that of other road users.“.
This point is interesting for those who carry their mobile phone with a holder or who, instead of having their infotainment system integrated into the dashboard with a double DIN radio, make use of a screen with Android Auto (or Apple CarPlay).
The key is in these devices placed in places that impede the necessary field of vision or permanent attention on the road
Article 76 explains that “These are serious offenses, when they do not constitute a crime (…) manual driving using mobile phone devices in conditions other than those described above, drive manually using navigators or any other means or communication system.“
In other words, touching Android Auto’s screen is a crime because it’s considered a d istraction.
What can I do to avoid fines with Android Auto?
The first thing, if you have a screen with Android Auto not integrated in the front of the vehicle, is to follow the recommendation of the DGT and place it on the dashboard (nothing on the glass or in your hand), where it does not affect your field of vision. Ideally, it should be approximately at your eye level.
Before you start driving, configure what is necessary for Android Auto: your route, your stops, the playlist you are going to listen to… because from that point on, touching the screen means forgetting to drive.
And when you’re on your way, use voice commands– There’s a long list of useful requests you can ask the Google Assistant while driving, like “Play a song by [nombre de artista]”, “Move towards [nombre del lugar]”, “Take me to a gas station” or “Send a telegram/WhatsApp to [usuario]” (in this case, you can follow the instructions to send the message or directly add ” with the message [contenido del mensaje])
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