Jasmine Harman fined while driving in Spain « Euro Weekly News

A Place in the Sun presenter Jasmine Harman has issued a warning video on her Instagram after receiving a €100 fine for an unexpected reason while driving in Spain.

Jasmine, who relocated to Spain from the UK, was stopped by Spanish police and fined for touching her car’s infotainment screen while using Apple CarPlay.

Harman shared her experience on Instagram in a video post on February 6, telling her 219,000 followers:
“Many of you may not be aware – I was not aware – that if you’re driving in your car, you cannot touch your screen even if you are using CarPlay.”

She explained: “I thought that was what CarPlay was for: to control your incoming phone calls, maps, listening, and whatever else from the screen without touching your phone, which is obviously a hand-held device. Apparently, that is not allowed either. You’re not allowed to touch the screen in your car. I’ve just received a €100 fine, so I thought I would let everyone else know. Every day is a school day.” (Cited by The Daily Express.)

What is Apple CarPlay?

Apple CarPlay is a software system that integrates an iPhone with a car’s infotainment screen, allowing drivers to access navigation, calls, messages, and music hands-free. It is controlled via voice commands or steering wheel controls.

What are the rules of use for CarPlay and car infotainment screens in Spain?

Spanish driving laws strictly prohibit touching a car’s infotainment screen while driving, even if it is to control navigation or phone calls. While Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are legal in Spain, their use must be entirely hands-free, relying on voice commands or steering wheel controls.

According to Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT), distractions are a leading cause of road accidents, accounting for over 30 per cent of all crashes. The use of mobile devices, including hands-free systems that require physical interaction, falls under this category.

If a driver is caught manually operating a device, they risk fines and losing 3 to 6 points from their driving licence, depending on the severity of the offence. In some cases, foreign drivers may need to pay their fines on the spot if they cannot prove residency in Spain.

What are the rules of use for CarPlay and car infotainment screens in the UK?

In contrast, the UK allows drivers to use infotainment touchscreens, provided their driving remains safe. The UK Highway Code advises motorists to use voice commands whenever possible, but touching the screen is not outright banned. However, if a driver is deemed to be “not in proper control of the vehicle” they could face a fine and six penalty points, or even a driving ban in serious cases.

Jasmine Harman’s €100 fine for using Apple CarPlay

Harman’s Instagram post sparked debate among her followers, with many questioning the logic behind the fine. One user asked: “So in that case, what do you do in a Tesla or most other new cars where all the controls are touchscreen?”

Another commented: “If we can’t touch a screen, should we also avoid adjusting the air conditioning, fan speed, or radio?”

For expats and tourists unfamiliar with Spanish road laws, Harman’s experience serves as a caution.