Distracted driving: Know the mobile phone laws in Australia

Distracted driving is when your attention is taken away from the road while you’re behind the wheel. The Australian Automobile Association says it’s the main factor in about 16% of Australia’s serious casualty road crashes. Distractions fall under three main categories:

• Visual: taking your eyes off the road
• Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
• Cognitive: noises or thoughts that interrupt concentration

Common causes of distraction are:

• Mobile phones and devices
• Other passengers
• Music
• Food or drinks
• Things outside of the car

Using a mobile phone while driving can increase your risk of an accident four-fold (Transport for NSW). Even taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds doubles your risk of a crash. For more details, download the Mobile phones and distraction fact sheet (PDF, 82 KB).

To help prevent road accidents, each state and territory has strict mobile phone laws for drivers. While the wording varies slightly, the rules are similar across Australia. Penalties can be as severe as 5 demerit points and a $1,251 fine, depending on the location.

If you have a full driver’s licence, you can only use your mobile phone in the car by following strict mobile phone rules.

You must secure your phone in a cradle attached to your car or use it hands-free, such as Bluetooth. Then you may only use it for the following: 

• Making or receiving audio phone calls.
• Audio functions, like playing music or podcasts.
• Navigation.

All other mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. This includes emailing, texting, social media, playing games, taking photos or video, or using any other phone functions.

These mobile phone laws sound simple, but they’re stricter than you think. Watch out for the following:

• When your vehicle is stopped but not parked, such as at traffic lights, mobile phone rules still apply.
• If you’re holding your mobile phone in your hand while driving, you can be fined. If your phone is touching any part of your body, even if it’s on your lap while driving, you can be fined.
• Learner, or P1 licence holders can’t use their mobile phones while driving at all in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS, and VIC. This includes while stationary, e.g. stopped at traffic lights or in traffic.
• P2 licence holders can only use their mobile phones in line with these laws in most states, except in NSW and QLD.

These laws don’t just apply to mobile phones. They also apply to other distracting devices, like DVD players, computers, tablets, and smartwatches.

You can only use a digital screen or dashboard screen as a driver’s aid, like a reversing screen or GPS. The screen must be in fixed holder or built into your vehicle. It must not distract you or another driver.

Your passengers can use digital screens. However, the screens must not be visible to you while you’re driving or distract another driver.

Breaking mobile phone laws can cost you at least 3 demerit points and a $410 fine. However, penalties vary across states and territories. In QLD you could be fined as much as $1,251, while in NSW you can lose 5 demerit points instantly. Also, bear in mind that demerit points can double during public holidays.

You can check the penalties below:

Across the country, mobile phone detection cameras are watching drivers on the road. They use artificial intelligence (AI) to catch drivers using their mobile phones (NSW Government’s Centre for Road Safety, July 2025). So, before your next drive, make sure you know the mobile phone rules.

Driving needs your full attention. Here’s some ideas on how to keep your attention on the road:

• Ask your passengers not to disturb you or ask another passenger to manage any distractions in the car.
• Listen to music between 60 to 80 beats per minute to help keep you calm and focused. You can create your own safe driving playlist with Spotify.
• Don’t eat or drink while you’re on the move.
• Switch your mobile phone or device to ‘Do not disturb’. 
• Put your phone out of sight if you don’t need to use it for navigation. 

Knowing the mobile phone road rules and steering clear of distractions may help you drive even more safely. They may even save your life.

Distracted driving doesn’t just come with fines and demerits. Sometimes it can lead to accidents that impact your car, someone else, or their vehicle.

Your car insurance premiums and renewal eligibility may change for various reasons. One key factor is your driving history, as set out in your policy’s terms and conditions.. At Allianz, we promote safe driving.. We urge all drivers to stay alert and avoid any distractions on the road. Your car insurance provides cover for unforeseen events, while safe driving helps prevent avoidable incidents.