Drivers Touching Their Phones Get Fined $300
- $298 fine
- Three demerit points
- Effective November 1
If you get caught even just touching your phone in Australia’s most populous state, it will cost you AU$298 and three demerit points, according to a new road rules document from the Roads and Traffic Authority.
- $298 fine
- Three demerit points
- Effective November 1
If you get caught even just touching your phone in Australia’s most populous state, it will cost you AU$298 and three demerit points, according to a new road rules document from the Roads and Traffic Authority.
According to the new NSW law, the driver of a vehicle with its engine running – take note that this means not parked – cannot use a phone unless its mounted and fixed securely, or the use does not have the driver touching the device. However, if you’re stuck in traffic, the law still applies.
“All other functions including texting, video messaging, online chatting, reading preview messages and emailing are prohibited,” the law says, adding that one exception is when the phone is being passed to someone else.
Also, these prohibitions do not include voice-activated features.
A driver when caught can be fined $298 and three demerit points, or $397 and four points if in a school zone.
The new law takes effect on November 1.
