The law have changed since October 2025. Use of mobile phone during driving results in a instant fine of 500. The recent law seeks to eliminate distracted driving behavior and it’s objective is improved road safey and reduction in accidents due to mobile phone. Drivers are prohibited to hold, touch, and even rest a phone on any part of the body, even when the car is stopped in driving. The driver will face 3 demerits on the driving license and is more serious if the driver is using texting and driving or using any social media.
Essential Points of the New Law
Starting October 2025, drivers have to keep mobile phones secured, in a phone holder fixed to the car, if the driver wants to use the phone to make calls or to use the phone for GPS navigation. People are not allowed to touch the phone if the car is in motion. This law is intended to promote road safey and reduce distractions. This is all drivers, includes motorcyclists and e-bike operators, though for the e-bike users arm bands are permitted.
| Offense | Penalty | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Holding/touching phone while driving | $500 | 3 |
| Texting/social media while driving | $1,000 | 4 |
Penalties and Enforcement
Listening to a phone while operating an automobile brings with it a punishment of $500 and is accompanied by three demerit points. A more base punishment would be sent or received messages or watching a video through a phone while driving which is a punishment of $1,000 and four demerit points. Also, with the new laws, it is now a level three event to have a cellphone in hand while driving which carries a punishment of $3,000. A level three offense also carries the stipulations of being harassed by the AI of the green thumbs in order to gain more punishment and demerit points. These new robots are being rolled out this year.
Broader Safety Impacts
These new laws to traffic rules shows that Australia is trying to boost its safety policies. Distraction is the third trusted cause behind a high level of road accidents in Australia. It is a threat that new rules misuse advanced technology to reduce accidents by providing strict rules. The rules were passed with the intention of changing the mental attitude of the drivers. The effect is reinforced with other laws such as cameras ensuring that use of seatbelts is mandatory as well as increasing fines for habitual offenders.
What Drivers Need to Know
Drivers should refrain from touching their phone while driving, this includes while idling at stoplights or during heavy traffic. Hands free law applies only if the phone is mounted and not touched at all. This applies to learner and provisional drivers, too, and they have much stricter rules about being on the phone. There are information and quizzes on these laws to motivate drivers on the benefits of safe driving.
FAQs
Q1: Am I allowed to use a phone headset while driving?
Yes, but only if the phone is mounted and not being held or touched while driving.
Q2: What happens if I am caught texting while driving?
You can expect to be fined $1,000 and have 4 demerit points.
Q3: Is there any technology available to detect phone use while driving?
Yes, AI camera systems focus on detecting illegal phone use in vehicles all over the country.
