Man faces shocking penalty charges for common driving habit

Navigating the roads of Sydney can be a challenge at the best of times.

However, for one driver, a simple act behind the wheel became a financial and emotional ordeal that serves as a cautionary tale for all motorists.


The incident unfolded when a 62-year-old Sydney driver suddenly received a $387 fine and a staggering ten demerit points for what the authorities claimed was illegal phone use while driving.

The fine was particularly hefty, as it doubled during the Easter Monday holiday period.

Due to the fine and issued demerit points, the man's driving licence is on the brink of suspension.


compressed-pexels-fotios-photos-1392621.jpeg
Drivers must mount their phones on a cradle, should they use it for navigation. Image Credit: Pexels/Lisa Fotios


The driver was adamant about not using his phone when a mobile detection camera caught him.

He insisted he held his wallet and secured his phone in a cradle.

The shock of the fine was so severe that the man collapsed and required assistance to get back on his feet.


His son witnessed the distressing scene and has since been advocating on his father's behalf.

The photo evidence sent to the man seemed to be in his favour.

'I went to the computer, downloaded the image, and saw a wallet in his hand. You can see his phone is in the cradle,' he said.

'In his left hand, you can see the wallet, and in his right hand, he's holding a $50 bill.'

The son also pointed out that his father is 'old school' and rarely uses his phone, especially while driving.

'For the older generation who don't understand the technologies and stuff, it's scary,' he added.

The incident highlighted the potential for errors with automated enforcement systems.


Another driver faced a similar situation despite never owning a mobile phone or a computer.

He was fined after being caught by a mobile phone detection camera. However, his fine was revoked after a strong appeal.

This reminds drivers to mount their phones in a cradle or keep them away while driving.

If you are in this situation, know your rights and appeal any fines you believe were wrongly issued.

Keep records of your driving habits, and have a passenger who can vouch for your actions.

The emotional and financial stress of receiving such a fine can be overwhelming.

It's essential to stay informed about the rules and to keep abreast of any changes to traffic laws.
Key Takeaways

  • A Sydney driver collapsed in shock after receiving a $387 fine and ten demerit points for allegedly using his mobile phone while driving. However, he claims he was holding his wallet.
  • Mobile detection cameras caught the driver during the double demerit point period, potentially risking his licence.
  • The driver's son appealed the fine, supporting the claim with evidence that his father's phone was in a cradle and that the item in question was a wallet.
  • Another driver, who does not own a mobile phone, faced a similar fine but had it revoked after appealing.
Have you or someone you know been in a similar situation? Please share your stories with us in the comments section below.
 
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I keep my handbag in the boot in which I keep my phone.
Terrible place to have your handbag. Once I pulled into a parking spot and before I had even turned it off a bloke was trying to open my boot.
 

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