TV in the car: can I watch TV while driving?

Thomas Wachsmuth 26 May 2022 Test sites, laws, offenses, information

Reading time 5 Min.

Most of the driver's time is spent in the vehicle. For example, because it is a matter of long commutes or regular external appointments that have to be kept. Some then come up with the idea of sweetening the time while driving with films. But is it legal to watch TV while driving? What could be the consequences of an accident caused by a distracted driver? This guide provides you with information on the legal basis, impending consequences and how insurance companies act on the subject of "TV while driving".

FAQ: Watch TV while driving

Is television allowed while driving?

There is currently no explicit ban on watching television while driving. Nevertheless, motorists violate the duty of care, which is stipulated in the StVO.

Is it allowed to have a TV or multimedia system in the car?

Yes. However, many vehicles have an automatic fuse. This prevents distraction at the wheel by making it impossible to watch TV while driving.

What are the consequences of watching TV while driving?

Using a smartphone, for example, results in a fine of 60 euros and a point in Flensburg. If an accident occurs during use, it may happen that the car insurance gets in the way.

Watch TV with a smartphone while driving

According to the StVO, there is no explicit ban on watching TV while driving. However, if the driver uses his mobile phone / smartphone, the facts of the case "Cell phone use while driving". And in Germany this is strictly forbidden and will be punished with a fine of 60 euros and a point in Flensburg. However, the facts are only considered legal if the mobile phone / smartphone is held in the hand – be it to search or start a film or video. If the mobile phone is in a corresponding holder in the vehicle, no fine proceedings are usually initiated. However, it should be taken into account that when watching television, the driver is clearly distracted from the traffic by the noise and images. If such an impairment exists, expensive consequences cannot be avoided.

Watching TV while driving: the following fines are imminent:

Participation in road traffic requires constant caution and mutual consideration.
Anyone taking part in traffic must behave in such a way that no one else is harmed, endangered or hindered or bothered more than is unavoidable under the circumstances. (§ 1 StVO)

This principle comes first in the Road Traffic Act (StVO). If these important traffic rules are violated, there will be a warning fine of 20 to 35 euros. However, the final amount of the fine depends on various factors, including whether other road users were hindered, endangered or even harmed by the television while driving.

Television through multimedia systems in the car: what are the consequences?

Some cars have an extensive Multimedia system, often with a DVD player included. However, these devices usually have a built-in lock that is intended to prevent them from being used while driving. In older models, the lock is usually linked to the handbrake. The TV only works when the handbrake is on. With newer devices, it is no longer the handbrake, but the speedometer display. If the car moves, the service will be denied by the system. Bypassing this lock is child's play for tuning experts, which means that you can also watch TV while driving.

Nowadays, even commercial providers list such an activation in their offers. The lock is namely a voluntary commitment the system manufacturer. Thus, manipulation of the blocking function is not a criminal offence. However, it should be noted that such modifications may result in the car being classified as "non-regulatory". According to § 23 StVO, driving a vehicle that is classified as "non-compliant" will result in a fine of 80 euros and a point in Flensburg.

There are not only fines: In the event of an accident, the insurance company will no longer cooperate!

If you watched a video while driving and caused an accident as a result, the fines mentioned above are not the only ones. Claims settlement can become more expensive in the case of traffic offenses caused by watching television. Many insurance companies often classify watching TV while driving as grossly negligent or even as conditionally intentional behavior a. With this classification, insurance companies have the right to reduce or completely refuse the benefit granted. An exclusion of liability in the event of intentional or grossly negligent action not only applies to liability, but also to partial and fully comprehensive insurance.

Of course, that wasn't the end of it.

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