A position of a mobile terminal in the interior of a motor vehicle is sensed by a sensor device. The sensed position is taken as a basis for a control device of the motor vehicle to ascertain whether the mobile terminal adopts a position within a predetermined safety area to be kept clear between a predetermined interior equipment component of the motor vehicle, for example an airbag, and a user of the motor vehicle. When such a position within the safety area is adopted or exists, prevention of use of the mobile terminal within the safety area is brought about by a safety check device. In this case, a restraining device can return or restrain the mobile terminal from the safety area, for example.