If you are a driver on your full licence, you are allowed to use your mobile phone in the car, as long as you meet the strict requirements laid out by the mobile phone rules.

You may only use your mobile phone if it is secured in a cradle affixed to your car, or it can be operated without touch, and only to²:

• Make or receive audio phone calls
• Use audio functions
• Navigate

All other mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. This includes email, texting, playing games, taking photos or video, or using any other functions on your phone.

These mobile phone laws sound simple; however they can be stricter than you think. Watch out for the following:

• Mobile phone laws still apply when your vehicle is stationary but not parked, for example when you are stopped at a traffic light²
• You can be fined if your mobile phone is touching any part of your body, or even on your lap²
• If you’re on your L or P1 licence, you are not permitted to use your mobile phone while driving at all in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC
• If you’re on your P2 licence, you can use your mobile phone in accordance with these laws in most states. However, you’re still not permitted to use your phone while driving at all in NSW or QLD
• These laws don’t just apply to mobile phones, but also include other distracting devices such as DVD players, computers, tablets, and smartwatches².

If you break any of the mobile phone laws outlined above, you’ll receive a minimum of 3 demerit points and a $344 fine, no matter what state or territory you are in. However penalties differ by state and territory, and in states such as Queensland you could be fined as much as $1000, while in NSW you can receive 5 demerit points instantly.

You can check the penalties for the states and territories you plan to travel in below:

The information in this article is current as of the 23rd April 2021. Laws and penalties may have changed since this article was created

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