Today’s smartphones have all kinds of functions that are of great help during daily activities, but there is one that stands out above the rest. We are talking about GPS , which has become an indispensable tool for users, since it provides a precise, concise and detailed route to a destination.
This makes traveling by car much easier, since you can use geopositioning to know the directions you should take at all times. However, there are many users who carry out bike routes both for entertainment and as an obligation to go to university or work, so it is convenient to know how to use the smartphone so as not to get any fine by surprise.
GPS on bikes is legal
There is no reason to be afraid when using your mobile as a GPS on a bike, since it is completely legal. Of course, you have to meet certain requirements that we will explain throughout this publication. The new Traffic Law specifies that using the phone while riding the bike is prohibited, although there are some important nuances.
The regulations refer to using it when you are pedaling , that is, if you are standing or walking next to your bike, but without being on it, there will be no problem. In addition, this also extrapolates to wearing the device in the helmet or on the ear. This is what the DGT says according to the regulations of March 21, 2022:
“It is prohibited to drive and use headphones connected to receivers or sound players, as well as the use of mobile phones.”
However, the law is clear in this regard and indicates that there is an exception to the rule in which you cannot be fined if you pedal and use the smartphone at the same time:
“The use by the driver with the vehicle in motion of devices such as screens is considered incompatible with the mandatory permanent attention to driving (…). The use of monitors that are in sight of the driver (…) as well as the GPS device are excepted for these purposes.
Of course, you cannot do it just like that and carry it in your hand so hot, as this could endanger your life and that of other passers-by. This means that to use this tool you will have to use an approved support as when you go by car. Otherwise, any other type of attempt to use the phone’s GPS could be penalized.
In Amazon you can find very good quality supports for your bike and for only about 14 euros . However, it is important that you check the measurements of this, since if your terminal is too large it may not fit.
How much is the fine
Now you know that going to your smartphone if you ride a bike is not illegal unless we touch the screen of the device or wear headphones because these actions can interfere with the handling of the vehicle. So there is no need to be afraid if you want to do a bike route, but you are terrified of getting lost.
Of course, you should know that breaking this law, whether to talk on the phone, answer a message or any other activity, not only can you cause an accident, but you would also receive a fine of 200 euros and even 6 points on your license.
