Mobile Phones and Driving (ACT)
In the ACT, as in other states and territories, there are strict laws about the use of mobile phones and other devices while driving. The ACT also now uses mobile phone detection cameras to detect these offences. This page outlines the law as it currently stands in the ACT with respect to mobile phone use while driving.
Legislation
The rules on mobile phone use while driving in the ACT are set out in the Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017.
Learners and provisional drivers
A person who is on a learner’s permit or a provisional licence must not use a mobile phone while driving unless the device is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle or does not require the driver to touch the device AND the device is being used:
- as a driver’s aid, such as for GPS navigation
- to listen to audio content.
A learner or provisional driver who uses a phone in any other way while driving commits an offence punishable by a fine of 20 penalty units.
Full-licence drivers
A person who is on a full licence may use their phone while driving under limited circumstances.
A full licence holder may use a phone that is secured in a mounting fixture to receive or make calls while driving, or to use a driver’s aid such as GPS navigation.
A full licence holder may use a phone that they are not holding and that does not require them to touch the phone in any way while driving.
A full licence holder who uses a phone while driving contrary to these rules commits an offence punishable by a fine of 20 penalty units.
Phone-detecting cameras
Since 2023, the ACT has utilised phone-detecting cameras to try to eliminate accidents caused by driver distraction.
The cameras use AI-powered imaging to capture drivers using mobile devices illegally. Footage of possible offences is then reviewed by humans and a decision made as to whether to issue an infringement.
Footage that does not reveal a possible offence is immediately deleted in the interest of privacy.
Demerit points
A person found guilty of using a phone illegally while driving in the ACT will incur 3 or 4 demerit points, depending on the circumstances. If the phone was used for text messaging, social media, using apps or accessing the internet, 4 demerit points will be accrued. If the phone was being used or held for any other purpose, 3 demerit points will accrue.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Go To Court Lawyers.
Fernanda Dahlstrom is a writer, editor and lawyer. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (Latrobe University), a Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice (College of Law), a Bachelor of Arts (The University of Melbourne) and a Master of Arts (Deakin University). Fernanda practised law for eight years, working in criminal law, child protection and domestic violence law in the Northern Territory, and in family law in Queensland.