Which countries fine drivers for using mobile phones at red lights?

The issue has gained attention in Vietnam recently, where automated traffic cameras have been installed in major cities, particularly at intersections. With these systems in place, many drivers are asking whether they could be fined for using their phones while stopped at red lights.

According to Vietnam’s traffic laws, car drivers who use phones or other electronic devices "while operating vehicles in motion" can face fines of up to VND6 million (US$228) and a deduction of four driving-license points. If the action results in an accident, the fine increases to VND20–22 million and a deduction of 10 points.

Motorcyclists face fines of VND800,000–1 million, or VND10–14 million in accident cases, with the same point deductions. This wording suggests that stationary drivers may not fall under this provision.

However, most countries prohibit phone use even when vehicles are stopped at red lights. Studies show that phone use distracts drivers not only during but also immediately after, as the brain needs several seconds to shift from processing screen information to assessing traffic conditions. This delay can slow reactions when the light turns green, cause abrupt starts, or prevent drivers from noticing obstacles ahead.

Research by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the European Transport Safety Council has found that just a few seconds of distraction significantly increases crash risk, comparable to driving under the influence. As a result, many countries have implemented bans on phone use while driving, even when stopped temporarily.

Drivers use their mobile phones while waiting at a red light in Hanoi. Photo by VnExpress/ Minh Quan

Countries with strict bans

In the U.K., regulations were tightened in 2022. Drivers can be fined £200 ($266) and have six license points deducted for touching their phones, even to take photos, play games, scroll social media, or check contacts, whether driving or stopped at a red light. The only exception is for emergency calls.

France has a similar rule, allowing phone use only if the vehicle is legally parked with the engine off and the handbrake engaged. In Germany, phones can only be used when the vehicle is parked and the engine is off, not when the vehicle is merely stopped at a red light.

In Japan, penalties for phone use while driving were increased in 2019. Drivers can be fined 12,000–25,000 yen ($85–170) and have three license points deducted for phone use while driving, including at red lights. If the violation results in danger or an accident, offenders can face fines up to 100,000 yen ($850) or six months in jail.

The Philippines' Anti-Distracted Driving Act bans all drivers from using phones or electronic devices while moving or stopped at red lights or in traffic jams. Fines start at 5,000 pesos ($85.10) and increase with repeated offenses, potentially leading to license suspension. Exceptions apply only in emergencies, such as when calling for medical or rescue assistance. Australia follows similar rules in most states, with fines ranging from AUD400–1,000 ($260–652) and up to five demerit points.

In these countries, drivers may still use navigation apps if the phone is mounted on a fixed holder and operated hands-free through voice commands or steering wheel controls.

Some countries allow phone use when vehicles are fully stopped. Several U.S. states allow drivers to use phones when their vehicles are fully stopped at red lights, as long as they do not obstruct traffic. However, traffic safety bodies continue to advise against it due to the risks of distraction when the light changes. Other states, such as Washington, treat phone use while stopped at red lights as a violation.

In Singapore, the law applies only when a driver uses a phone while the vehicle is moving. Using a phone when fully stopped at a red light is not illegal, but traffic police discourage it, as it reduces alertness and reaction time when the light turns green.