$344 fine for camera detected phone use
Carla Velasquez • March 3, 2020
Camera Detected Fines being rolled out - 2 minute read
The mobile phone detection camera program which has been rolled out across New South Wales since 1 December 2019 includes fixed and transportable cameras that operate at locations across the road network.
These camera's are used by NSW Police to target illegal mobile phone use by capturing mobile phone use from a high-definition camera system. This system will operate 24 hours a day and in all weather conditions. They will capture images of the front-row of all vehicles to detect illegal mobile phone use.
From 1 March 2020 mobile phone detection cameras will begin enforcing illegal use of mobile phones while driving or riding.
The penalty for offending drivers is five demerit points and a $344 fine ($457 in a school zone). The penalty increases to 10 demerit points during double-demerit periods. For many people this could mean the loss of their licence.
Learner and provisional P1 licence holders will exceed their demerit point threshold and lose their licence if caught illegally using their mobile phone. All learner and provisional P1 and P2 licence holders will exceed their demerit point threshold and lose their licence if they are caught using a mobile phone during a double demerit period.
The cameras use artificial intelligence to automatically review images, detect offending drivers, and exclude images of non-offending drivers from further action. Images that the automated system considers likely to contain a driver illegally using a mobile phone will be verified by authorised personnel.
When can I legally use my phone?
If you are on your full licence you can make or receive an audio phone call, but ONLY if the phone is secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle or if it can be operated without touching any part of the phone. Ie Bluetooth use is allowed.
Can I listen to music or audio functions?
If you are on your full licence you can use music or audio functions if the phone is secured in a cradle and or if you can operate it without touching the phone.
Can I use my phone to navigate?
You can if you are on your full licence and only if the phone is secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle.
What if I am on my L's or my P's?
If you're on your L's or your P's you cannot make or receive an audio phone call, use music or audio functions or even use your phone as a driver's aid for navigation.
Can I use my phone if I am stationary in a car park, driveway or drive thru?
You can use your phone only if the vehicle is stationary and off the road. This would mean having the vehicle in park before touching your phone. The ignition does not have to be turned off.
All functions such as video calls, texting, checking emails ore social medial are illegal unless your vehicle is parked.
Can I even hold and use my phone at any time while driving?
No, it is illegal to hold a mobile phone at any time while driving or riding.
Can I use my mobile if it is on my lap and on loudspeaker?
No. If you are on your L's or your P's you are not allowed to use your phone at all. This is whether you're holding or even resting it on any part of you body. This includes if it is in a cradle or if it's being used via Bluetooth.
What if I am on my push bike?
It might surprise you to know that it is also illegal to hold and use your mobile phone even if you are on a push bike. So if you use your bike as a food delivery courier please make sure that you are at a complete stop and have dismounted your bike before using your phone. This is to avoid heavy penalties including fines.
What do I do now? I have received a fine and I am going to lose my licence!
Contact us via phone, email, Facebook or what's app and we will organise a time to meet and discuss your options. Those options might include taking your matter to court.
