Mobile phone distractions
Mobile phone distractions are among the leading causes of crashes. A phone can create visual, cognitive, manual and auditory overload at the same time. For safe tech habits, read Infotainment and app integration . For more on attention, see Humans in traffic and Reaction time, attention time and total time . Review Statistics and crashes for the numbers behind the risk.
Types of distraction
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Visual | Eyes leave the road | Reading the display |
| Cognitive | Thoughts absorbed by the call or message | Rehearsing what to reply |
| Manual | Hands leave the wheel | Typing or swiping |
| Auditory | Attention drawn to sound | Listening for a notification |
Legal framework
Using a handheld phone while driving is illegal in Norway. The ban is anchored in the Road Traffic Act § 19 and Motor Vehicle Regulations § 2-7.
| Rule | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Handheld phone use | Fine from NOK 1700 |
| Breach of mandatory safety equipment | Additional fee possible |
Consequences
Phone distraction can increase reaction time by up to 35% and multiply crash risk.
Licence and insurance consequences
| Outcome | What it means | Related rules |
|---|---|---|
| Penalty points | Two points for handheld use, four during probation | See Penalty point system |
| Fine and fee | Minimum NOK 9700 in 2023, possible licence suspension | See Sanctions, fines, confiscation, liens, points |
| Insurance regress | Insurers may reclaim payouts after proven phone use | Read Insurance: liability, vehicle damage and regress |
Insurers rely on traffic control logs and telematics data to document handheld use. During training, you can test reactions in a driving simulator to expose risky phone habits without endangering real traffic.
Scenario analysis: phone alerts and risk
| Scenario | Potential outcome | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Social media notification | Eyes off the road for several seconds | Activate focus mode before rolling |
| Incoming call | Cognitive overload and blind spots | Use voice-controlled short responses |
| Adjusting navigation | Manual and visual distraction combined | Set the route while stationary, rely on favourites |
| Vehicle status alert | Temptation to inspect menus while moving | Schedule a safe stop and check calmly |
How to avoid mobile distraction
- Enable flight mode before you drive to silence alerts.
- Connect through CarPlay/Android Auto and rely on voice control, see Infotainment and app integration .
- Use hands-free or a solid phone mount when required.
- Plan routes and stops before starting the engine.
- Place the phone out of reach during the trip.
- Activate driving mode in the phone’s settings to filter notifications automatically.
- Assign a passenger to handle the phone when available.
Measures and effect
| Measure | Effect on risk |
|---|---|
| Enable flight mode | Cuts alerts and temptation substantially |
| Hands-free and fixed mount | Lowers manual distraction |
| Plan navigation beforehand | Reduces cognitive load |
| CarPlay/Android Auto with voice commands | Shifts interaction to audio and keeps hands on the wheel |
| Take breaks for messages | Prevents combining driving and phone use |
Summary
Mobile phone distractions are preventable. Limit phone use to safe stops, leverage infotainment systems correctly and keep hands and focus on the driving task to reduce dangerous situations.