It may be tempting to pick up your phone while driving, whether it is a notification or message. However, using a mobile phone behind the wheel creates a serious safety risk. Even looking away from the road for two seconds increases the chance of a crash.
Across Australia, every state and territory enforces strict mobile phone laws to reduce distraction-related incidents. Penalties can be significant, especially with mobile phone detection cameras now operating in multiple jurisdictions.
Mobile Phone Rules for Learner Drivers
Learner drivers across Australia follow some of the strictest phone rules. In most states and territories, learners are not allowed to use any mobile phone function while driving. This includes touching the phone, using Bluetooth, speaker mode, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or interacting with a device in any way.
The vehicle must be parked with the engine off and keys removed before a learner can use their mobile phone. Penalties vary but can result in heavy fines, loss of demerit points, and immediate impacts on learner progression. Learners in NSW can lose their licence in a single offence, as illegal phone use carries five demerit points (ten in a school zone).
Mobile Phone Road Laws for Fully Licenced Drivers
Fully licensed drivers are allowed limited phone use, but only if they comply with strict conditions. You may use your phone if it is secured in a cradle or can be operated without touch, such as making or receiving calls through voice activation or using navigation apps.
Activities such as video calling, texting, emailing, browsing the internet, or using social media while driving are prohibited. Holding a mobile phone at any time while driving or while stopped at lights is illegal. You cannot access your Digital Driver Licence while driving unless requested by a police officer.
It is important to remember:
- The laws apply even when your car is stationary but not parked. You must be legally parked before using any mobile phone functions.
- You can be fined if your phone is on your lap or touching any part of your body.
- The same rules apply to other smart devices such as tablets, smartwatches, computers, and video entertainment units.
Mobile Phone Road Rules for P1 and P2 Drivers
Restrictions for P-platers vary across Australia, especially with the rise of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Across NSW, learners and P-platers cannot use these systems at all, and cannot have a phone connected in any capacity unless the vehicle is parked. In NSW, illegal mobile phone use carries a $423 fine and five demerit points, or $562 and ten demerit points in a school zone.
Victoria allows phones to be connected via CarPlay or Android Auto, but P1 and P2 drivers cannot touch the screen, use voice control, input information, or read messages. Queensland, South Australia, the ACT, Tasmania, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory each apply different rules about whether P-platers may use hands-free functions, audio only, or CarPlay/Android Auto with no interaction. Penalties can exceed $1100 in Queensland.
Because the laws differ greatly by state, it is recommended that P-platers understand the rules for the state they are driving in.
You may only use your mobile phone when the vehicle is parked with the engine off and keys removed from the ignition. To avoid temptation, keep your phone in a bag or glove box while driving.
Learn More About Safe Driving Today at LTrent
LTrent Driving School helps learners and provisional drivers build safe driving habits, including understanding mobile phone road rules and avoiding distractions. Our instructors provide essential training so you can develop the confidence and awareness needed for real-world driving. Book your driving lessons today!
If you are a learner driver in NSW, you can also take the Safer Drivers Course.
