Tablet in the car: These things are allowed / prohibited
Whether as a navigation system, for making calls or surfing - in addition to smartphones, tablets are also being used more and more in the car. In this practical tip, we clarify the controversial question of which things you can do with a tablet in the car and which you should better leave.
Using a tablet in the car - can I do that? These things are allowed or prohibited
The Road Traffic Regulations (StVO) contain precise regulations for smartphones in the car. But there is nothing explicit about the tablets in the law. Therefore, other standards are important when it comes to whether you can use tablets:
- According to § 1 para. 2 StVO, you must always be considerate of other road users when driving a vehicle.
- In addition, according to Section 23 (1a) StVO, you must not use a mobile phone while driving if you have to hold it in your hand. Warning: The journey continues even during a red traffic light. You will no longer drive a vehicle until the vehicle is stationary and the engine is switched off. Even if you just flip your cell phone, that's fine for a fine.
- The StVO only speaks of mobile and car phones. The law does not mention tablets. There is also no case law on the tablet question.
- Due to the clear wording, there is some reason to not treat tablets like cell phones. In particular, the law prohibits the extension of penalties and fines to other areas. However, since court decisions are still lacking, you should still be careful.
- In addition, the police will usually see no difference in whether you use a mobile phone or a tablet in the car. If you therefore have to pay a fine, you should consult a lawyer.
- Be on the safe side if you hold the tablet in a holder during the entire journey and do not hold it in your hand. Then you could even use a cell phone. But also pay attention to other road users here and only use your tablet if the current traffic situation allows it.
Use tablet in the car - tips and hints
If you want to avoid a fine in any case, you should treat your tablet like a cell phone. The following applies here:
- Before you start driving, put your tablet in a holder and leave it in the holder until you have completely switched off your motor. Attention: The automatic start-stop function at red traffic lights is not sufficient for this. This is the only way to operate it according to the StVO.
- But also pay attention to the traffic here. The police can punish even minor inability to drive and mistakes.
- During a police check, you can try to convince the officials that the Road Traffic Regulations do not control tablets. If this does not work, you should take the protocol and consult a lawyer.
