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.