Starting from July 1^st of this year, the Dutch government has introduced a fine of €95,- euros for holding your phone while cycling. Even if you’re not actually using the phone, just holding it while moving will cost you money. And it doesn’t just apply to phones either. The ban counts for any mobile electronic device, such as GPS or music player. The new law was introduced to prevent cyclist taking their eyes of the road to, for example, check their messages or maps.

The ban only applies to those who are actually operating a bicycle at the same time as they are holding their phone. You can still hold your phone if you’re standing still, though always check your surroundings so as not to endanger anyone around you.

The €95,- euros is in line with other cycling related fines. Cycling without light or with malfunctioning lights will cost you €55,- euros. The same counts for broken brakes, and cycling in the wrong direction on a one-way street. Jumping a red light, driving on the wrong side of the road, or driving with a malfunctioning steering wheel will also cost you €95,- euros. Fines for not stopping for a police issued stop sign, not giving the right of way at a zebra crossing, and  using a motorway will even set you back as much as €150,- euros! The fine is, however, lower than the fine for using your phone while driving, which will cost you €240,- euros.

Please note that this is not a complete list of all cycling related fines. For more information on cycling in the Netherlands, you can check out https://www.iamexpat.nl/lifestyle/cycling-netherlands.

If you still want to be able to use your phone for GPS or music, hands-free usage such as with a bicycle phone mount is allowed. In this case, you do still need to be able to hear the sounds around you, for example by wearing only one earbud.