On April 1st 2001, the ban on mobile phones in vehicles came into force in Germany, with fines of 60 Deutschmarks being imposed for use in the car (30 Deutschmarks on bicycles). But there's more: insurance cover may now also be invalidated. Whilst third party insurance pays any accident damage, if an accident is the result of gross negligence, comprehensive insurance can refuse payment. This judgment was made by the Higher Regional Court of Cologne. The judges thereby confirmed the view of an insurance company that had refused payment because of "gross negligence". A motorist was involved in an accident at night on a wet and foggy motorway whilst he was on the telephone. Although he was in no way to blame for the accident, the other party's insurance succeeding in reducing the damages by 40 per cent. Their reasoning: the driver was not concentrating fully, because at the time of the accident, he was on his mobile phone.

Telephoning whilst driving is only ever permitted if an ear piece is used or if the car has a hands-free kit.