Algeria's Gendarmerie National services have initiated a crackdown on the use of certain electronic devices in vehicles, implementing stricter controls and issuing fines. These measures by مصالح الدرك الوطني (Gendarmerie National services) signify a significant tightening of control over driver behavior. The enforcement specifically targets additional screens, digital boards (tablets), and mobile phones when used for watching videos while driving. This full measure, which prohibits the operation of such devices, aims to significantly enhance road safety across the country by reducing driver distractions.
New Traffic Law Details
The new regulations classify the use of in-car screens and mobile phones for video consumption as a fourth-degree traffic violation, showing the severity of such infractions. The legal framework for these new rules is established under Law No. 26-09, which officially came into effect on May 12, 2026. This key legislation is designed to address the growing concerns regarding driver distraction. Specifically, Article 121 of the new traffic law explicitly specifies that operating audiovisual devices in the front of a vehicle constitutes a fourth-degree violation. This legal framework underpins the recent enforcement actions by Algeria's Gendarmerie National services. The classification as a fourth-degree offense indicates the seriousness with which authorities view these distractions on the road, aiming to deter drivers from engaging in activities that could compromise safety and lead to accidents.
What Devices Are Banned
Algerian authorities have clarified that drivers are strictly prohibited from operating any audiovisual devices in the front of their vehicles while driving. This regulation aims to eliminate distractions that could compromise road safety, directly addressing the use of digital boards (tablets) and additional screens. The prohibition also extends to phones used for watching videos, making it clear that such activities are no longer permissible behind the wheel. The new directives explicitly ban placing a mobile phone on a holder in the front of the vehicle while driving, irrespective of the phone's intended use. This measure shows a broader effort by Algeria's Gendarmerie National services to curb in-car distractions. The full ban extends beyond active video consumption to encompass the mere presence of a phone in a dashboard holder, reflecting a strict approach to driver focus and road safety.
Exemptions and Clarifications
Devices exclusively used for driving assistance or navigation, such as GPS systems, are exempted from the new regulations. These devices are permitted as long as they do not obstruct the driver's vision or contribute to driver distraction, ensuring their utility without compromising safety. Additionally, original factory-integrated screens found in modern vehicles do not constitute a violation. This exemption applies provided the screens are designed within the vehicle's specifications and are not utilized for content that could distract the driver. Such screens are often integral to vehicle operation and information display, and their use for non-distracting purposes is allowed. The clarifications aim to differentiate between essential driving aids and entertainment or communication devices deemed hazardous, providing clear guidelines for drivers.
Enforcement and Impact
The new regulations impose a substantial fine of 1 million centimes (10,000 Algerian Dinars) for violations, reflecting the gravity with which authorities view these infractions. Algerian authorities are implementing these measures in response to a record rise in traffic accidents, which officials attribute directly to the use of in-car screens and mobile phones. This surge in accidents has prompted the government to take decisive action to protect road users. The substantial fine aims to deter drivers from engaging in activities deemed hazardous, thereby enhancing road safety across the country and working towards a significant reduction in traffic-related incidents.