A NEW law in Germany has forbidden drivers from holding a mobile phone to their ear while driving, and forced fleets to fit hands-free phone kits to their vehicles writes FNN sister title Fleet News Europe.

From April 1, after a two months period of grace, drivers found guilty of using a phone while on the road face a fine of DEM 60 (approximately 30 Euros). In addition, insurance companies will no longer pay for accidents where they prove that the collision was caused by the driver using a telephone while driving.

Drivers are now only allowed to use a mobile phone when a car is parked and the engine is turned off. If the vehicle is moving or the engine is on, the driver may neither pick up a mobile phone nor hold it in his hand. This rule also applies in 'stop-start' traffic, and even in traffic jams with long delays, or at a red traffic light you are not allowed to pick up the mobile phone.

Fleets must therefore install hands free mobile phones in their vehicles, with kits ranging from DEM30 to DEM2,500 (15 to 1,250 Euros).

• Subscribe to Fleet News Europe this month and receive THREE essential European fleet management guides FREE! For details of this great offer, click here.