Safe mobile phone use for truck drivers
Using a mobile phone behind the wheel is one of the most common causes of driver distraction — and for heavy vehicle drivers, the risks and responsibilities are even greater. Across Australia, road rules make it clear that you must not hold or touch a phone while driving. You can only use it if it is secured in a cradle and operated hands-free, such as through voice commands or steering-wheel controls (Australian Road Rules, Rule 300). If you need to type, read messages, or use an app that requires touch, you must pull over and park in a safe and legal location first.
For truck drivers, the legal obligations don’t end there. Under the Heavy Vehicle National Law (HVNL), operators and employers have additional safety duties known as the Chain of Responsibility. This means companies must actively manage the risk of distraction and make sure drivers have the time, tools and systems they need to stay compliant. Safety regulators, including the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), also recommend that mobile phone policies be built into a company’s Safety Management System (SMS).
Staying compliant on the road
The safest approach is to set up your phone before you start driving. Enter your destination into navigation, select your playlist or podcast, and enable a ‘Do Not Disturb’ mode so you’re not tempted to check notifications. If your truck is fitted with a manufacturer-approved hands-free system or built-in voice assistant, use that instead of touching the screen. The NHVR also advises against using noise-cancelling headphones while driving, as they can block out essential traffic sounds and emergency sirens.
If a call or message requires your attention, wait until you can pull over somewhere safe. Stopping on the shoulder or at a loading bay is far safer – and legal – than trying to respond on the move. Many modern telematics and fleet-management systems also include features to reduce distraction and coach safer behaviour, which employers should consider as part of their compliance strategy (NHVR Safety Technology Guide).
Employer and operator responsibilities
Managing distraction isn’t just up to the driver. Employers and fleet managers are legally required to ensure their operations don’t pressure drivers into unsafe behaviour. That means designing schedules and delivery routes that allow time for breaks, implementing clear policies on mobile phone use, and providing regular training. Resources like the Mobile Phone Use in Vehicles Policy Guide can help businesses create effective policies and integrate them into their SMS.
Increased enforcement and penalties
Penalties for illegal phone use are significant and differ across states and territories — often involving thousands of dollars in fines and multiple demerit points. Many jurisdictions have also rolled out mobile phone detection cameras that operate day and night, meaning offences are now far more likely to be detected. You can check the current rules and penalties for your state or territory using the links below:
A safer way to stay connected
Ultimately, safe phone use is about reducing risk to yourself, other road users, and your business. By planning ahead, relying on hands-free technology, and knowing when to pull over, you not only comply with the law but also protect your livelihood. And by embedding strong policies and training into workplace practices, employers can help ensure that everyone in the transport chain plays their part.