These rules apply even when you are standing, for example at traffic lights. If you have an open driver`s license, you can still use your hands-free phone in a cell phone holder attached to the vehicle or via Bluetooth in the car, but you need to make sure that you still have proper control of your vehicle and that you have 100% attention to the road while using your phone. Section 300 of the Regulations states that the driver of a vehicle may not use a cell phone while the vehicle is moving or stationary, but is not parked. The maximum penalty is 20 penalty units ($2750.70 USD). Open and P2 drivers are allowed to use their mobile phones hands-free, for example when docked at a docking station. Hands-free features include receiving a call, navigating apps, skipping a song, or answering/ending a ride as a rideshare driver. Docking your device to a car phone holder is acceptable as long as it doesn`t obscure your view of the road. Even if a driver has a phone on their lap, they may be tempted to look at the phone, especially to display notifications or tap to navigate. If the phone falls off the driver`s knees, for example when rotating the vehicle or braking, the phone may fall into the foot space or next to or under the driver`s seat. A driver will likely bend over to retrieve it and divert their attention from the road, or the phone may be dangerously stuck behind one of the vehicle`s pedals. „This includes a passenger holding a mobile phone for the driver to see, for example to read a message or view content. It is the driver`s responsibility to always have a clear view of the road, to have adequate control of his vehicle and to drive with care and attention.

Open and P2 drivers can use a hands-free mobile phone, for example when the phone is in a docking station connected to the vehicle. The position of the phone should not obscure the driver`s view of the road. These laws are designed to keep everyone safe on the road, and the reality is that driver inattention results in serious injury and death. Too often we hear about tragic deaths, serious injuries and other terrible accidents due to driver inattention. In fact, Australian drivers are distracted about 45% of the time on our roads. It`s a shocking statistic, but many people still don`t seem to understand the dangers – especially for the biggest distraction on our roads, cell phones. The changes now mean that it is forbidden to hold a mobile phone or let it rest on any part of the body (e.g. on a driver`s lap). It doesn`t matter if the phone is „running” for the crime to be proven. In other words, turning off your phone or using it for other functions like changing a song is now prohibited.

„I see drivers with their heads down while driving or at traffic lights, distracted by their phones or with their phones on their ears. Tabetha says more and more customers are visiting her due to driver inattention, and believes she`s not alone when she sees drivers using their phones daily while on our roads. We anticipate that the new camera systems mentioned above will make it increasingly difficult to challenge penalties for mobile phone use or failure to comply with seat belts. The level of detail visible in the captured images allows the Ministry of Transport to identify people very easily. Learn more about cell phone restrictions for learning permits or temporary driver`s license restrictions for mobile phones while driving. Drivers of passengers and P1s under the age of 25 should not use wireless hands-free kits or the speaker function of a mobile phone. If your phone is in a pocket of your clothes or a bag that you carry, you should not use it under any circumstances. This includes touching, looking at it, or using it with your voice. You should not use your phone`s hands-free function, including wireless headsets and speaker functions.

You can`t touch, look or use your phone by voice. Passengers of learner drivers and P1 drivers are also prohibited from using the loudspeaker function of a mobile phone. No matter how the phone is used safely, the driver should always maintain proper control of the vehicle and drive with care and attention. Club spokeswoman Renee Smith said the updated regulations meant it was illegal to have a phone in your hand or anywhere on your body while driving. You can be fined $1,033 and record 4 demerit points for your driving history if you use a cell phone illegally while driving. This also applies if you are stopped at traffic lights or in traffic. „If you have a phone on any part of your body, whether it`s used or not, you`re committing a crime,” Smith said. „New fixed and mobile detection cameras will be available today across the state and will be able to see into vehicles and detect if a cell phone breach has been committed. „Those captured by the new cameras will receive a warning within a three-month grace period before sanctions are imposed from 1 November. The fine for illegal use of a cell phone is $1,033 and four demerit points, both disadvantages if you get caught twice in 12 months, so the message is very clear, do the right thing and put your phone away.