What’s the law for using a mobile phone while driving in Australia?

When you drive out onto the road, you’re expected to focus your attention on the road in front of you. If you’re travelling 60 kilometres an hour, and you look at your phone for two seconds, this means you're travelling blind for about 33 metres. A lot can happen in 33 metres!

Research from the Australian Automobile Association shows that using your phone while driving is as, if not more dangerous than drunk driving. It’s the main contributing factor in around 16% of serious casualty crashes on the road. As a result, the Australian government has imposed laws and restrictions on mobile phone use.

Regulation 300 of the Australian Road Rules prohibits drivers from using their phones unless their vehicle is parked. This means that no matter where you are in Australia, you’re not allowed to use your mobile phone while your car is in motion. Even if you’re stuck in traffic or driving down a quiet street, the law dictates you need to park first. 

The ‘use’ of your mobile phone includes the following:

• Holding it in your hand even if you are not making a call or texting 
• Moving the phone from one position to another
• Turning the phone on or off 
• Touching or holding the phone while texting 

The fine print does vary though, so let's break down how you can and can’t use your phone while driving in Australia.

If you hold a provisional license, like a learner, P1, or P2, you’re not allowed to use a mobile phone at all, even if it's secured in a hands-free device or connected to your car via Bluetooth. Unless your car is parked, you’re not allowed to scroll social media, make or receive calls, use the GPS, or listen to music. 

The only exception is if you’re pulled over and need to show the authorities your license, you can use your phone to present your Digital Drivers License.

If you’re a fully licensed driver, you can use your phone in a hands-free device or holder. The holder must be fixed to the car and shouldn’t obstruct your view of the road. 

You can only touch your phone to make or receive calls, operate a GPS, or play music. You can’t use it to take photos, text, or scroll social media.

If you disobey NSW’s mobile phone laws, you’ll cop a fine of five demerits and $362 (or $481 if you’re in a school zone).

If you’re a learner or P1 driver under 25, you’re not allowed to use your phone while driving, even if it’s attached to the car with a hands-free or Bluetooth-enabled accessory. You can’t look at your phone or use it in any way while driving, or use it to make calls using the loudspeaker. Even passengers of learner and P1 drivers are prohibited from using their phone’s loudspeaker. 

If you’re over 25 and hold a P2 or P1 license, you can operate your phone using a hands-free device, like a cradle, given it doesn't obscure your view. You can use the device to accept calls, use the GPS, and operate music. 

If you’re a fully licensed driver, you can only use your phone while driving if it's in a hands-free device. You can use your phone to accept calls, use the GPS, or put on some music. 

You can also operate your phone hands-free if it's in the pocket of your clothing. You’re not allowed to touch or look at it though, so make sure it can complete voice commands or can be used hands-free. 

If you disobey QLD’s mobile phone laws, you’ll cop a fine of four demerit points and $1,161. 

If you own a learner, P1, or P2 license, you’re not allowed to use your phone while driving, even if it’s mounted on a hands-free device or Bluetooth accessory. 

If you’re a fully licensed driver, you can use your phone to make or receive calls, operate music, or use the GPS given it’s in a cradle. You’ll also need to ensure it’s affixed to the vehicle and can be operated hands-free.

If you disobey Victoria’s mobile phone laws, you’ll cop a $545 fine and four demerit points. 

A mobile phone ban is currently in place for learner and provisional drivers. If you’re a learner or provisional license holder, it’s illegal for you to use social media, text, or use your phone’s speaker mode while driving. Even using your car’s CarPlay or Android Auto screen is a chargeable offence. 

You can listen to music or a podcast given you’re not interacting with the device. This means you can’t change the song, or move your phone from the centre console to the passenger seat. Set up your playlist before you start driving, or you’ll need to pull over and park to change it. 

If you’re a fully licensed driver, you can use your phone to access the GPS, play music, and make or receive calls. However, your phone must be secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle and operated by voice. You can also answer calls using the controls on your steering wheel or via CarPlay/Android Auto. 

As of the 19th of February, the ACT has introduced a mobile phone ban. If you’re caught using your phone to send a message or access the internet, you’ll cop a fine of $632 and four demerit points. If you use or hold your phone for any other reason you’ll incur a fine of $514 and three demerit points. 

If you own a P1 or learner license, you cannot use your mobile phone while driving. You’re not allowed to make or receive calls, text messages, or operate your phone’s GPS, even if it’s in a hands-free cradle or Bluetooth-controlled device. 

If you’re a fully licensed driver, you can only make or receive calls if your phone is on a mount. You must operate your phone with a hands-free or Bluetooth-enabled headset or earpiece. You’re not allowed to send or look at messages or touch your phone while driving, even if it's in a mount or hands-free device. 

When your phone is in the mount, you can use the GPS function, as long as you don’t touch it while driving. Set your destination before you leave the house – if you need to change it, you’ll need to pull over and park.

If you break SA’s mobile phone laws, you’ll cop a fine of three demerit points and $592. 

The restrictions on mobile phone use do not differ between provisional and fully licensed drivers. Whether you hold a learner or P2 license, you can only use your phone if it can be operated hands-free on a mount. 

If you can’t change your GPS or make and receive calls using voice-activated features, you’ll need to pull over first. Regardless of whether you’re doing it hands-free or not, you’re not allowed to create, look at, or send texts, emails, or any sort of communication. 

If you’re caught touching or holding your phone while not in a cradle, you’ll be fined $500 and three demerit points. If you’re caught creating, sending, or looking at social media, a text, or the like, you’ll cop a fine of $1000 and four demerit points.

The restrictions on mobile phone use do not differ between provisional and fully licensed drivers. It’s illegal to use a handheld mobile phone or operate your VDU (visual display unit) while driving. 

If your phone is in a mount, you can make or receive calls. However, you should be able to operate the phone without touching it and the mount should not obscure your vision. You’re not allowed to touch your phone, even if you need to send an email, text, or video call. If you do, you’ll need to pull over. 

If you’re caught disobeying the NT’s mobile phone laws, you’ll cop a fine of $500 and three demerit points.

If you’re a learner or in your first year of holding a P1 license holder, you’re not allowed to use the phone at all, even if it’s in a hands-free cradle and can be operated by voice. You can, however, listen to music or use the GPS as long as it’s set up before driving. 

If you’re a fully licensed driver, you can use your phone to take or receive a call given it's secured in a mount and can be used hands-free. You’re not allowed to text, video call, or scroll social media, though. You’re also not allowed to hold the phone in any way, including resting it on your lap or passing the phone to another passenger. 

If you disobey TAS’ mobile phone laws, you’ll cop a fine of $390 and three demerit points. 

Visual display units are also known as digital screens, digital dashboards, and VDUs. They're commonplace in newer cars and can operate music, and navigation apps. They can also make calls and text. 

Apple CarPlay and similar VDUs work by connecting your smartphone via Bluetooth or USB. You can navigate your phone's apps using a dial, buttons, or via the unit's touchscreen. Some VDUs are built into the vehicle, while others are affixed using a mount.

VDUs are a relatively new technology, so the laws in some states might be vague regarding their use. If you're unsure, we’d recommend erring on the side of caution and abiding by your state’s mobile phone laws if their position on VDUs isn't specified.

You’re only allowed to use your VDU as a driver’s aid (using the GPS app or as a reversing screen). The VDU should be built into the vehicle like a digital dashboard, or in a holder fixed to the vehicle. If you hold a provisional license, you’re not allowed to use your phone or Bluetooth, no matter the circumstance. This means you’re prohibited from using VDUs. 

If you hold a learner or P1 license and you’re under 25 years old, you can’t use mobile devices in any way. This extends to Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and any VDUs. If you’re fully licensed or own a P2 license, you can use Apple CarPlay as long as you can operate it via voice command.

If you’re a provisional driver, you’re not allowed to use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or VDUs. If you’re a fully licensed driver, you’re only allowed to use a VDU as a driver’s aid (as a GPS or reversing screen), and for no other purpose. 

Fully licensed drivers can use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and VDUs. However, you’ll need to ensure you set up your GPS instructions or music before you head onto the road. You're not allowed to touch the device while driving. This means you need to operate the VDU using voice commands or the steering wheel's controls.

If you’re on a provisional license, you’re not allowed to use VDUs, Apple CarPlay, or Android Auto. 

South Australian mobile phone laws are not explicit when it comes to VDUs. If you’re fully licensed, you can use your phone as a GPS given it can be operated hands-free. We’d take the same approach to VDUs. If you can operate it without touching the unit, go for it. It’s also a good idea to err on the side of caution and use your phone instead.

If you’re a provisional license holder, you’re not allowed to use Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, or VDUs. 

You’re only allowed to interact with your car’s VDU if you’re using it as a driver’s aid. This means you can use it as a GPS or reversing camera. Unlawful use can result in a $300 fine and three demerit points.

NT mobile phone laws are strict when it comes to VDUs. You’re not allowed to drive with your VDU on unless it’s used as a driver’s aid, is securely mounted to your vehicle, and can be operated hands-free. In the NT, a traffic infringement penalty of $500 applies for VDU-related driving offences. 

If your VDU is integrated into the car or it's secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle, you can use it as a driver’s aid. 

Driving a car means you’ll need to maintain proper control at all times. It’s expected by other drivers, as well as your state’s government, that your attention is fixed on the road at all times.