Drivers warned: the phone holder mistake that could cost you €200 in Spain

Nowadays, it’s difficult to imagine driving without your smartphone. Many of us use our smartphones as sat-navs every day, whether it’s to check live traffic, avoid a jam or follow directions to a restaurant.

For those who drive older cars that don’t have built-in screens, the phone holder is the best solution.

But here’s the catch: the way you set up that little gadget could land you with a hefty fine of up to €200, and in some cases, points off your licence. That’s the warning from Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), which has made it clear that not all mounts and not all positions are legal.

Windscreens can be expensive

Article 19 of Spain’s General Traffic Regulations contains the relevant rules. It says, in plain English, that the car’s windscreen and window must always allow the driver a clear view of the road. Nothing – whether it’s a sticker, a dangling air freshener, or your trusty phone holder – should get in the way.

The most popular spot for drivers to use is the middle of their windscreen. This area, however, is off limits. The DGT Even if you think it’s a minor obstruction, insists the driver that placing your phone in this location can cause a part of your vision to be blocked. Phone holders attached to rear-view mirrors are also a problem. They not only obstruct your view, but they can also be distracting.

Do not even consider those holders that attach directly onto the steering wheel. They might look clever on social media ads, but in reality, they can cover your dashboard indicators and force you to glance down while turning the wheel—something both dangerous and, yes, fine-worthy.

What are the safest places to put your device? According to DGT, these are the safest places:

• The dashboard should be low and on the side.
• If it does not interfere with the controls, you can place the console on the central console.
• Air vents are considered by experts to be the safest and most convenient option.

What are the fines and penalties?

DGT has explained the dangers of using your phone while driving.

• €100 fine if the holder is judged to partially block visibility, even if you’re not touching the phone.
• €200 fine and three points if you’re caught handling the device while driving.
• €200 fine and six points if the phone is in your hand while the car is moving.

In reality, the interpretation of the traffic officer is often key. You could be given a ticket if they think your phone mount is blocking your view or distracting you.

RACE, the motoring association, has reminded drivers that it is not illegal to use a holder. The key is how and where the holder is used. The fines will be imposed if it compromises the safety of others.

Why DGT is taking action

This isn’t a purely bureaucratic decision. The DGT states that distractions now account for more fatal accidents than speeding or alcohol in Spain. The mobile phone. The mobile.

Even a glance at the map to make a small adjustment or to check an alert can cause you to lose your focus for a few precious seconds. Experts recommend setting up your GPS before starting the engine and using voice assistants or hand-free commands instead of reaching for the screen.

The Spanish road authorities also know that many drivers still drive older cars without infotainment built in. Even though new cars have integrated satnavs, large screens, and voice commands, millions still rely heavily on their smartphones. The problem is that old habits—like sticking the phone in the middle of the windscreen for convenience—don’t align with current safety laws.

What should you do now?

As long as the phone holder is placed safely, it’s legal. When shopping for a phone holder, experts suggest vent-mounted holders or dashboard holders that are low and out your line of vision. Whatever you decide, you should resist the urge not to touch the phone while you are moving.

Because what seems like a harmless setup could leave you lighter in the wallet, short on licence points—and, in the worst case, involved in an accident that could have been avoided.

Next time you get in your car, make sure to check where the phone is mounted. The small detail you notice could be the difference between an enjoyable trip and a costly one.