How to use Car Mode to avoid hefty mobile phone fines in Spain
Using a mobile while behind the wheel in Spain can result in a loss of six licence points and a 200 euro fine
Just as phones come equipped with an airplane mode that we can engage when flying, it is also possible to disable certain features on our mobiles before we get behind the wheel. This Car Mode function is now all the more important since the penalties for using a phone while driving have been greatly increased, but the safety aspect can’t be ignored as distraction caused by these gadgets is one of the main causes of road traffic accidents in Spain.
The main reason for the high accident rate is the distance a car travels with the driver’s eyes on his phone rather than the road. For example, if a vehicle is moving at 120 kilometres per hour, sending just one text message involves travelling an average of 600 metres without looking at the road in front. And research has shown that answering a call, even on hands-free, prevents drivers from noticing 40% of the traffic signs they pass.
For that reason, using a mobile while behind the wheel in Spain is penalised with a loss of six licence points (in Spain driving licence points are taken away and not added) and a fine of 200 euros.
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What is Car Mode and how does it work?
Car Mode is similar to the Do Not Disturb function that most new smartphones are equipped with. By activating this mode, the phone automatically detects that a person is driving and blocks incoming calls and messages.
How to activate Car Mode
For iPhone users, this function can be activated through the Do Not Disturb function in settings. Once it has been set up and the car’s Bluetooth is connected, the phone will be able to detect when a person is driving.
Replies to incoming messages can also be configured, and in the event of receiving a text with the word 'urgent', the phone will allow motorists to receive all messages from that contact.
On Android devices, users will need to download the Android Auto application from the Play Store in order for Car Mode to activate automatically when drivers get into their car. Once connected, the app completely prevents the use of smartphones, unless it’s through the car’s screen, and it blocks the driver from replying to messages or checking social media while behind the wheel.
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