Mobile Phones and Driving (Qld)

In Queensland, there are strict laws that prohibit mobile phone use while driving except under very specific circumstances. These laws were updated in July 2025 to bring them into line with changes brought in across the country, increasing fines and incorporating the use of AI-powered mobile phone detection cameras to identify drivers using phones while on the road. This page outlines the laws on mobile phones and driving as they now stand in Queensland.

The Queensland Government has implemented these stringent mobile phone driving laws as part of a broader road safety initiative aimed at reducing distracted driving incidents. Research shows that using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases the risk of serious crashes, with drivers being four times more likely to have an accident when using their phone behind the wheel.

Legislation

Queensland's road rules are set out in Transport Operations (Road Use Management – Road Rules) Regulations 2009.

The specific provisions relating to mobile phone use while driving are primarily found in sections 300 and 300A of these regulations. These sections detail the comprehensive restrictions on mobile device usage and establish the legal framework for enforcement. The regulations work in conjunction with the Transport Operations (Road Use Management) Act 1995, which provides the overarching authority for road use management in Queensland.

Learners and P1 drivers under 25

Complete Mobile Phone Ban

A person on a learner's permit or a P1 driver under 25 must not use a mobile phone while driving for any purpose in Queensland. This includes hands-free phones and phones that are held in a phone bay.

This zero-tolerance approach for novice drivers recognises that new drivers need to focus entirely on developing their driving skills without any distractions. The restriction applies regardless of whether the vehicle is moving or stationary in traffic.

Consequences for Young Drivers

Young drivers caught using mobile phones face the same financial penalties as experienced drivers, but the impact on their driving record can be more severe. Given that P1 drivers operate under a demerit point threshold of just 4 points, a single mobile phone offence can result in licence suspension.

Other drivers

Hand-Held Device Restrictions

A person on a full licence must not hold a phone in their hand or on any part of their body while driving, even when the vehicle is stationary at lights or in a traffic jam. A person caught driving with a phone in their hand or resting on their lap will be fined, even if the phone was not being used.

This strict interpretation means that simply picking up your phone to move it, or having it rest against your body while driving, constitutes an offence under Queensland law. The legislation is designed to eliminate any temptation to use the device while driving.

Permitted Uses for Full Licence Holders

However, a driver on a full licence may use a phone while driving if it is a hands-free device or if it is securely mounted in a holder fixed to the vehicle in order to do certain things, including:

• accepting calls
• using navigation apps
• selecting songs

A driver who is not a learner or on a P1 licence may also use their phone in hands-free mode if it is in their pocket or in a pouch they are wearing but they must not touch it or look at it.

The phone holder must be commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose, and it must be fixed to the vehicle rather than simply placed on the dashboard. Voice activation and steering wheel controls are the safest methods for operating permitted functions.

Penalties and Demerit Points

A person who uses a mobile phone while driving other than in the permitted circumstances commits an offence punishable by a fine of 20 penalty units ($1,251). They will also accrue 4 demerit points.

These penalties place Queensland among the states with the strictest mobile phone driving penalties in Australia. The significant demerit point allocation means that drivers risk licence suspension, particularly if they have accumulated other demerit points within the three-year period.

Exceptions

A person may use their phone to:

• show their digital licence to police
• pay for goods or services while the vehicle is stationary in a place where goods or services are paid for; or
• obtain a card or thing required to enter an area.

These exceptions recognise practical situations where mobile phone use is necessary for legitimate purposes. However, drivers should ensure they are completely stationary and in an appropriate location before using their device, even for these permitted purposes. The digital licence exception specifically accommodates Queensland's digital driver licence system implemented through the Digital Licence app.

Road cameras

AI Detection Technology

AI-powered road cameras are now being used in Queensland to detect the use of mobile phones by drivers.

These cameras use AI technology to detect whether a driver is holding a phone as well as to detect other offences such as speeding and failing to wear a seatbelt.

The camera system operates 24/7 and can capture high-resolution images of vehicles passing through detection zones. The artificial intelligence algorithms are trained to identify the distinctive shape and positioning of mobile phones in drivers' hands, even in varying lighting and weather conditions.

Review Process and Accuracy Concerns

If a possible offence is detected, the footage is then reviewed by a human before a penalty is issued.

Concern has been expressed over the reliability of the cameras and the possibility that infringements are being issued in error, and drivers being left out of pocket as a result.

However, police say that the new system is transforming driver behaviour and has led to a great reduction in phone use while driving.

The human review process involves trained personnel examining flagged images to confirm that an offence has actually occurred. This two-stage process is designed to minimise false positives, though some drivers have successfully challenged penalties through the court system.

Defences and Legal Challenges

Common Defence Strategies

Drivers facing mobile phone charges may have several potential defences available, depending on the specific circumstances of their case. These can include arguing that the device was not actually a mobile phone, that it was being used for a permitted purpose, or challenging the accuracy of detection camera evidence.

Court Proceedings

Drivers who choose to contest their mobile phone infringement in court should be aware that the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that an offence occurred. Legal representation can be valuable in examining the evidence and identifying any procedural issues or technical defences that may apply.

Impact on Road Safety

Statistics and Effectiveness

Queensland Transport and Main Roads data indicates that mobile phone-related crashes have been steadily decreasing since the introduction of stricter penalties and camera enforcement. The combination of increased fines, demerit points, and automated detection has created a powerful deterrent effect.

Public Education Campaigns

Alongside enforcement measures, the Queensland Government runs ongoing public awareness campaigns highlighting the dangers of distracted driving. These campaigns emphasise that no phone call, text message, or social media notification is worth risking lives on the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my phone's GPS navigation while driving in Queensland?

Yes, but only if you hold a full licence and the phone is either mounted in a commercially designed holder that's fixed to your vehicle, or you're using it hands-free without touching or looking at the device. You must set your destination before you start driving. Learner and P1 drivers under 25 cannot use phones for navigation at all.

What happens if I get caught using my phone while driving twice in Queensland?

Free legal hotline — live now

Need a Traffic Law lawyer in QLD?

Speak to a qualified local lawyer now — free 24/7 hotline, no obligation.