Using an e-cigarette with a touchscreen while driving is now punishable as severely as using a phone. This verdict was issued by the Cologne Higher Regional Court after reviewing an appeal from a driver fined €150.
The Precedent Case:
A driver was fined for operating a touchscreen device while driving. In court, he unsuccessfully argued that it was not a phone but a vape, on which he was adjusting the power setting. The court ruled that the ban applies not to the type of device, but to the act of distraction caused by screen interaction.
The Court's Key Conclusion:
Any interaction with a touchscreen, even for auxiliary settings, poses the same safety risk as using a smartphone.
Consequences for Drivers:
· Fine: €150
· Penalty Points: 1 point in the Flensburg registry
Important to Know:
Smoking traditional cigarettes or simple e-cigarettes (without a screen) is not yet explicitly prohibited. However, AWhelp24 recommends completely refraining from smoking while driving, as it is also distracting, and such bans already exist in many EU countries.