Australian drivers are being warned once again about the dangers of using their mobile phones while behind the wheel, as police intensify enforcement of strict distracted driving laws. Under existing road rules, any motorist caught using a handheld mobile phone while driving can be fined up to $567 and lose four demerit points. Over long weekends and public holidays, double demerits often apply, making the penalty even more severe.
Authorities stress that the rules are not designed to inconvenience drivers but to protect road users from entirely preventable crashes. With distracted driving now among the leading causes of accidents on Australian roads, police and traffic regulators have made mobile phone enforcement a top priority.
The Most Common Offence
The most frequent mistake drivers continue to make is picking up their phone at traffic lights or in slow-moving traffic. Many mistakenly believe the rule only applies when the car is in motion, but this is not the case. The law clearly prohibits holding or touching a mobile phone at any time while stopped at a red light, waiting in congestion, or idling in traffic — unless the vehicle is parked and off the road.
“Even a quick glance at a message while sitting at the lights can cost you hundreds of dollars,” a spokesperson for Transport for NSW said. “It’s a distraction that may only last seconds, but it’s during those seconds that crashes often happen.”
Mobile Phone Detection Cameras
In recent years, automated mobile phone detection cameras have been rolled out across New South Wales, Queensland, and other states, designed specifically to catch drivers using phones illegally. These cameras operate day and night, using artificial intelligence to spot offenders without the need for police officers to be physically present.
Data released by road authorities shows tens of thousands of drivers have been caught since the technology was introduced. In NSW alone, more than 120,000 infringements were issued in the first year of the program, highlighting just how widespread the problem remains.
What the Rules Allow
While drivers are not permitted to hold a mobile phone, there are some legal exceptions if the device is mounted correctly. A driver can use their phone hands-free for navigation, music streaming, or phone calls — but only if the phone is secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle and does not require the driver to touch it while driving. Voice-activated commands are allowed, provided they don’t distract the driver from controlling the vehicle safely.
Learner and provisional drivers face even stricter rules, with many states banning them from using mobile phones at all — even in hands-free mode. Authorities argue this protects inexperienced drivers at a stage where their focus should be entirely on developing safe driving habits.
Safety Before Convenience
Road safety advocates warn that the temptation to quickly check a notification can have devastating consequences, as even a brief distraction increases the risk of missing signals, failing to see pedestrians, or rear-ending another vehicle.
The Australian Automobile Association has welcomed the continued enforcement efforts, saying penalties are necessary to change behaviour. “The cost of a fine may sting, but it’s nothing compared to the lifelong impact of causing a crash that could have been avoided,” an AAA spokesperson said.
A Reminder for All Motorists
As enforcement measures tighten, Australian drivers are being urged to resist the urge to check their phones. Parking the car safely off the road remains the only legal and safe option for sending a message, scrolling social media, or replying to emails.
With penalties set at $567 and four demerit points, and higher where double demerits apply, the message is clear: convenience is never worth the risk. Whether driving a short distance or a long journey, leaving the phone untouched until safely parked can prevent fines, protect licences, and most importantly, save lives.
