📵 Focusflitser and Court Summons: The Crackdown on Mobile Phone Use While Driving Intensifies in Belgium… and Beyond

Two months ago, the Netherlands officially launched their first “focusflitser” — a smart traffic camera system designed to automatically detect drivers holding a mobile phone. Offenders receive a €430 fine. The device captures images, which are then manually verified, in a bid to combat one of the most common and dangerous habits behind the wheel: driver distraction.

In Belgium, the Vias Institute has been calling for years for similar technology. A two-month pilot project in Antwerp five years ago showed up to 14 offences per lane, per hour, especially among truck drivers.

🚔 Belgium Is Already Getting Tough on Offenders

Even without smart cameras, Belgium has significantly increased enforcement severity when it comes to phone use while driving. During a national operation on 8 and 9 October 2024, 942 drivers had their licenses immediately revoked, representing a quarter of all reports issued during that period.

Why such strict measures?

• Because using a phone while driving is now a third-degree offence — an offence that directly endangers others — and can lead to fines ranging from €174 (on-the-spot) to €4,000 if brought before a police court.

• Because the offence is increasingly commonplace: many drivers still consult their phones at red lights, in traffic jams, or even while moving.

“Fear of being caught is currently the only truly effective deterrent,” says Vias spokesperson Benoît Godart.

👩‍⚖️ My Perspective as a Traffic Lawyer

In my practice, I’m regularly consulted by individuals who have been summoned to appear before the police court for using their mobile phone while driving.

Yes, this offence is serious — it creates real risks on the road. But each case deserves individual consideration.
Was the phone being actively used or merely held? Was the car in motion or stopped? Is this a first offence or a repeat occurrence? Is the driver a professional? These details matter when building a fair and tailored legal defence.

My role is to advise and defend each client with rigour, fairness, and clarity, ensuring that any sanctions imposed are proportionate and legally justified.

🛑 Smart Surveillance Is on the Horizon — But With What Guarantees?

If Belgium adopts focusflitser technology, several legal and ethical questions will arise:

⚖️ How do we protect personal privacy?
📷 How reliable is automated detection?
👥 What room remains for human judgment?

Technology can support road safety, but it must not replace thoughtful, human-centred enforcement.

📌 Key Takeaways

• The Netherlands have begun using smart traffic cameras to detect mobile phone use behind the wheel.

• In Belgium, more and more drivers are facing court proceedings or immediate license revocation.

• Using a phone while driving is a serious, growing offence, but each case deserves fair treatment.

• As a lawyer specialising in road traffic law, I offer clear advice and strategic defence for clients summoned to court.

💬 Have you received a court summons for using your phone while driving?
Don’t wait. Get in touch for a tailored legal assessment and effective defence strategy.