Published on
February 3, 2026
On February 3 and 4, 2023, Belgium’s federal traffic police, in collaboration with local officers from more than 100 police zones, will begin their first operation aimed at reducing distractions while driving. The police will mobilize more than 900 traffic officers with 105 local police teams. They will focus on driver distractions that are high risks in road safety, especially the use of handheld communication devices while driving.
Belgium police intend to address distracted driving, which remains one of the top causes of road traffic deaths and injuries in the country. Using mobile devices while driving is of primary concern, as people seem to be less attentive and reactive. Driving and simultaneously texting, talking, or browsing people’s social media like Facebook or Instagram are some of the behaviors that will be targeted in this initiative.
Police will conduct the operation at fixed and mobile checkpoints throughout the country. Officers will actively stop vehicles to check that the drivers are not performing distracting activities. Police have the discretion to issue tickets, driving bans, or other punitive measures at their discretion.
Why Cutting Distractions While Driving is Crucial
People on the road can get distracted by many different things; however, the most common and severe distraction comes from the use of mobile phones while driving. According to Belgium’s police, cell phone use while driving causes thousands of accidents a year. Even the smallest use of a mobile phone, including reading a message or checking a social media account, can lead to a dangerous driving situation.
This operation won’t only be targeting the use of cell phones. Also, for doing any of the following activities, a driver is likely to be fined: reading books, watching movies, putting on makeup, and eating. All of these things and more can lead to similar distractions and accidents while driving, so while they may appear harmless, these fines will be enforced to reduce dangerous driving.
What Penalties Do These Actions Cause?
Driving while using a phone will result in an immediate fine of 174 euros plus added fees. Distraction driving is a serious issue; therefore, to combat this, fines and fees of this nature have been implemented in Belgium. These measures are presented alongside the use of driving bans; offenders can also be subject to use of a driving ban for 15 days if they repeat these violations or participate in dangerous driving behavior.
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The fines are intended to keep drivers attentive and discourage them from getting distracted while driving. With these fines, authorities are trying to keep all road users, whether drivers or pedestrians, safe on Belgium’s roads.
Consistent Efforts to Maintain Safe Roads
This is not the first time Belgium has done these kinds of operations. Police have been checking for distracted drivers twice a year to try and prevent road accidents. The operation on February 3 and 4 is part of these ongoing efforts, which are now a staple of Belgium’s road safe operations.
Belgium’s federal police and local authorities will ensure all road users follow safe driving practices. These operations also contribute to the EU’s aim of making driving safer and reducing the number of distracted driving fatalities.
Monitoring Road Safety Regulations
Police will implement a mix of mobile and stationary roadblocks in order to examine driver behavior and step in when necessary. Distraction while driving will be monitored, and, of course, the primary focus will be on the use of a mobile phone.
Drivers caught participating in such activities will be reminded of the risks of driving while distracted. They will be required to pay fines immediately and, depending on the circumstances, may face additional penalties.
More About Driving Safely in Belgium
These efforts to stop distracted driving will fall under an umbrella of initiatives designed to improve overall road safety in Belgium. This initiative aims to educate the public on the risks of distracted driving and how to avoid it. Belgium has experienced a partial decline in road deaths; however, campaigns like this continue to be critical in improving road safety.
Belgium authorities would like to continue improving road safety. With the continuous monitoring and penalizing of distracted driving, it is hoped that road safety will be improved in Belgium.
Conclusion
The commitment of Belgium to eliminate distractions behind the wheel is one more component of the country’s road safety strategy. Keep road safety operations involving 900 traffic officers all over the country. This should combat some of the reckless behaviors leading to accidents. Road safety in Belgium should improve with the introduction of the driving bans. It should promote safety for other road users who would otherwise be at risk due to the reckless road safety behaviors of the drivers who are banned from driving. Road safety in Belgium should improve with the introduction of the Driving bans to promote safety for other road users who would otherwise be at risk due to the reckless road safety behaviors of the drivers who are banned from driving. Road safety in Belgium should improve with the introduction of the Driving bans to promote safety for other road users who would otherwise be at risk due to the reckless road safety behaviors of the drivers who are banned from driving.
Adherence to these measures will raise safety levels to all road users, thus providing safety to residents of the country as well as visitors.
