Using your phone while driving in the Netherlands: what the law says
Whoever drives a vehicle may not hold a mobile electronic device while driving: a phone, a tablet or a media player (article 61a of the RVV 1990). That includes waiting at a red light or in a queue, and it applies to cyclists too. A phone in a holder, used as a sat nav or hands-free, is not forbidden by this rule, but anything that takes your attention off the road is a risk.
The rule
It is forbidden for anyone driving a vehicle to hold a mobile electronic device that can be used for communication or information processing (article 61a). That includes at least a mobile phone, a tablet and a media player. Holding is the key word: a phone in a holder, used as a sat nav or for a hands-free call, is not covered by this article.
Also at a red light, also on a bike
Waiting at a traffic light or standing still in a queue still counts as taking part in traffic, so you may not hold your phone then either. And a bicycle is a vehicle, so the rule applies to cyclists too.
Hands-free is allowed, but not without risk
The law does not forbid using a phone hands-free, but every distraction costs attention. On the exam, questions about distraction come back in the animation questions, where you have to spot danger in time: animation questions explained.
The exam trap: holding your phone while you are standing still at a red light. That still counts as driving, so it is not allowed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use my phone while driving in the Netherlands?
You may not hold a phone, tablet or other mobile electronic device while driving. Using it hands-free, for example in a holder or through the car's system, is not forbidden by this rule, but it still distracts.
Does waiting at a red light count as driving?
Yes. Waiting at a traffic light or in a queue still counts as driving, so you may not hold your phone then either.
Does the rule apply to cyclists too?
Yes. The rule applies to anyone who drives a vehicle, and a bicycle is a vehicle.
Can I use my phone as a sat nav?
Yes, in a holder. You may not hold it in your hand while driving.
Sources, checked on 3 November 2026:
Written by Nawfal Serraji, traffic law specialist and founder of HaalTheorie.