Mobile phone use while driving
Mobile Phone Use While Driving – Know the 2025 Rules
Stay Safe. Stay Legal. Stay Focused.
Australia’s road safety laws have evolved significantly in 2025 to address the growing risks of mobile phone use behind the wheel. Whether you’re driving across states or just around the corner, understanding the latest rules is essential. Using a mobile phone while driving is a serious safety risk and is regulated by law across all Australian states and territories. While the core rules are consistent nationally, each jurisdiction may have specific conditions or penalties. Here’s what you need to know:
National Road Rules – Key Principles
- The Australian Road Rules are model laws adopted by each State and Territory.
- While mostly consistent, minor variations exist, so always check your local laws.
- The National Transport Commission maintains the official version of the Road Rules.
What’s Illegal Across All States (2025 Update)
It is illegal to use a handheld mobile device while driving in every Australian jurisdiction. This includes:
- Texting, emailing, browsing, social media, video calls
- Holding or touching the phone, even at traffic lights or in traffic queues
- Using smartwatches or tablets for similar functions
New in 2025:
- AI-powered detection cameras are now active nationwide, including in school zones and highways.
- Fines range from $600 to $1,200, with 4–6 demerit points depending on the offence and location.
- Repeat offenders may face license suspension and double penalties.
What’s Allowed – But With Conditions
You may use your mobile phone only if:
- It is secured in a cradle mounted to the vehicle and does not obstruct your view.
- You use voice activation, Bluetooth, or hands-free features without touching the device.
- You are fully parked off the road (not just stopped at lights) in most jurisdictions.
Note: Learner and P1 drivers are not permitted to use mobile phones at all—even hands-free.
Visual Aids and Navigation
- GPS apps are allowed only if the device is securely mounted and does not obscure the driver’s view.
- Video playback, social media, or any visual content visible to the driver is strictly prohibited.
Digital Wallets and Tap & Pay
- Rules vary by state. Most allow tap & pay in drive-thru or parked contexts, but not while driving.
- Set-and-forget functions (e.g., auto-pay) must be activated before driving.
Safe Driving Advice
- “Keep your hands off it” is the golden rule.
- Even legal use can be unsafe in heavy traffic, poor weather, or complex road conditions.
- Consider letting calls go to voicemail and responding when safely parked.
State and Territory Laws and Penalties
| State/Territory | Summary | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Strict rules for all drivers. Learners and P1/P2 drivers cannot use phones at all. Fines up to $545 and 4 demerit points. | VicRoads – Mobile Phones & Driving |
| Queensland | $1,251 fine and 4 demerit points. Double demerits for repeat offences. Learners/P1s banned from all phone use. | QLD Government – Mobile Phones |
| ACT | Mobile phone use must comply with Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017. Distraction enforcement via cameras. | Access Canberra – Road Rules |
| Western Australia | Up to $1,000 fine and 4 demerit points. Only hands-free use allowed if phone is mounted. | WA Transport – Driver Distraction |
| South Australia | Hand-held use banned unless parked. Learners/P1s banned from all phone functions. | MyLicence SA – Mobile Phones |
| Tasmania | Laws unchanged but enforced via new camera tech. Holding or viewing a phone while driving is an offence. | Transport TAS – Portable Device Offences |
| Northern Territory | $500 fine and 3 demerit points. Only audio calls allowed via mounted or voice-activated devices. | NT Road Safety – Mobile Phones |
Safe Driving Tips
- Set your GPS before driving.
- Use Do Not Disturb mode or apps that block notifications.
- Pull over safely if you need to make a call or send a message.
- Avoid using smartwatches or wearable tech while driving.