Norway: Wild New Bill – 10,000 NOK Fine for Traffic Offense

A new bill from the Ministry of Transport has sparked a heated debate:

Should it really be forbidden to simply hold a mobile phone while driving – even if it’s not in use? The Traffic Police (UP) nod in agreement, but the Norwegian Automobile Federation (NAF) says no.

A Clear Signal – or an Unnecessary Crackdown?

It is already illegal to use a handheld mobile while driving, and there are strict rules about how phones may be used via holders. Nevertheless, the authorities now want to go a step further and introduce a total ban on touching the phone unless it is permanently mounted.

The Ministry of Transport argues that the ban will send “a clear and unambiguous behavioral expectation to the public” while also making it easier for police to crack down on violations.

But according to Norwegian TV2, the proposal is not well received by NAF.

Speed-Blind Legislation

NAF’s press officer, Ingunn Handagard, believes the legislation is drifting far from basic fairness and proportionality. She points out that a driver is allowed to accept a bun from a passenger but not move their phone from the charging pad to the seat.

“Such a ban goes against what people perceive as reasonable and fair,” says Handagard.

She emphasizes that NAF is not opposed to the intention of reducing inattention in traffic – quite the opposite. But she warns that there is a risk of becoming “speed-blind” in the pursuit of more control and harsher penalties.

High Fines and Lower Respect

The proposal includes fines of 10,450 NOK simply for touching the phone, regardless of whether it is being used or not. Here, NAF warns that overly strict rules could have the opposite effect of what is intended.

“A total ban combined with ever-higher fines may, in the worst case, undermine the public’s respect for the regulations,” Handagard points out.

UP: A Necessary Step

The Traffic Police are fully aligned with the proposal. They see it as an important tool for improving road safety. Assistant UP Chief Roar S. Larsen notes that illegal use of mobile phones is a contributing factor in about four percent of fatal traffic accidents.

To him, it’s clear: Higher fines and a total ban could save lives.

A Question of Balance

The debate shows that this is not only about road safety – it’s also about how legislation is perceived by citizens. If the law no longer feels fair, it loses its authority.

With the proposal under consultation, the ball is now in the court of both experts and the public. The question is whether the road to fewer accidents necessarily involves a ban on any phone contact – or if more balanced solutions exist.