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New South Wales Traffic Law Mobile Phones and Driving

Mobile Phones and Driving

Updated on Nov 25, 2015 2 min read 233 views Copy Link

Laura Turner

Published in Nov 26, 2015 Updated on Nov 26, 2015 2 min read 233 views

Mobile Phones and Driving

The New South Wales government has announced increased penalties for using a mobile phone while driving. The new penalties will commence over the Christmas holiday period, beginning on December 24.

An offence is committed if the driver of a vehicle handles a mobile phone while driving, if they rest the phone on their leg, hold it to their ear with their shoulder, or touch it with any part of their body while it is in use.

The only exceptions are where the car is safely parked in an authorised space with the engine turned off, where the driver is passing the phone to a passenger, or if the driver is a police officer or emergency services worker on duty.

A mobile phone may be used with a mounted hands-free set as long as it does not obstruct the driver’s view. Similarly, the GPS function can be used as long as the phone is secured in a cradle mount and does not obstruct the view. A phone may also be used with a blue-tooth or remote wireless device, as long as the phone is not touched while driving.

Mobile phones and driving NSW

Currently, the penalty for using a phone while driving is a fine of $319 and three demerit points. From December 24 to January 3, while the fine will remain the same, you will lose six points. In the new year, the number of demerit points will increase to four, or eight points during holiday periods.

In a media release, Deputy Premier and Minister for Police Troy Grant said:

Holding your mobile phone to call or text while driving is extremely dangerous and just plain reckless for you, your passengers and everyone else on the road … While driving at 60 kilometres per hour, if you glance at your phone for two seconds, you travel around 33 metres blind.

Last year in New South Wales, approximately 35,000 fines were issued for using a mobile phone while driving.

Published in

Nov 26, 2015

Laura Turner

Senior Associate

Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.
Home New South Wales Traffic Law Mobile Phones and Driving

Laura Turner

Senior Associate

Laura Turner holds a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts as well as a Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice. She is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of Queensland. Laura began her legal experience through volunteering with the Student Legal Service offering free advice to students, and through a clerkship in the conveyancing team of a law firm in Hobart. She also volunteered at a Prisoner Legal Service, assisting inmates to obtain parole. Laura has a strong focus on family law, criminal and traffic law, although looks to broaden her knowledge into migration and civil law.

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