Are you making this driving mistake? This simple oversight could cost you $1,000
- Replies 39
Driving in Australia, just like in most places around the world, comes with a set of rules that motorists must follow to ensure both their safety and that of other road users.
However, some rules might not be as well known as others, leading to hefty fines for unsuspecting drivers.
This is the case for a driver in Queensland who was fined for breaking a little-known rule.
The driver from Upper Coomera received a penalty notice by mail for having a mobile phone in their lap.
They expressed their frustration on social media and wrote: ‘Worth contesting?’
‘For sure. Both hands on the wheel, and not using the phone,’ one person said.
‘Given that both hands are on the steering wheel, I’m surprised this has been picked up,’ another replied.
But a third person pointed out: ‘Unfortunately mate, while you weren’t holding it, the law is (that) “no part of your body to be in contact with a mobile device.”’
A Queensland Revenue Office spokesperson explained: ‘To keep yourself and other road users safe, your full attention is needed when driving.’
‘It is illegal to hold a mobile phone in your hand or have it resting on any part of your body, such as your lap when driving.’
This law applies even if the device is turned off, you're not actively using it, or your car is not in motion, for instance, when you're stuck in traffic.
Surprisingly, not all drivers were familiar with this little-known traffic rule.
Many sympathised with the driver, expressing that they were not aware that having a powered-off device touching their body could incur such a fine.
One person asked if having the phone turned off while resting on the passenger seat was also an offence.
As per the Queensland Revenue Office spokesperson, 'The phone does not need to be turned on or in use for it to be an offence.'
These episodes underline the importance of keeping updated with existing traffic rules.
In Queensland, the standard penalty for handling a phone while driving is a fine of $1,161 and four demerit points.
If the same offence is committed within a year, double demerit points are recorded.
Flouting these laws is not only costly; it can also compromise your driving record and impact your ability to hold a driver’s license.
More importantly, distracted driving poses a significant danger to everyone on the road.
Remember, adhering to road safety rules is a shared responsibility. Next time when you get in the car, ensure your mobile device is stored so that it will not distract you or inadvertently come into contact with any part of your body while you are driving.
Learning about and understanding Australian driving laws can be a life and money saver for both experienced and novice drivers alike.
Have you checked your state's driving laws recently, and are you inadvertently making this or any other mistake that could dent your wallet? Let us know your thoughts and any peculiar driving laws you've come across.
However, some rules might not be as well known as others, leading to hefty fines for unsuspecting drivers.
This is the case for a driver in Queensland who was fined for breaking a little-known rule.
The driver from Upper Coomera received a penalty notice by mail for having a mobile phone in their lap.
They expressed their frustration on social media and wrote: ‘Worth contesting?’
A motorist from Queensland received a fine for violating a little-known rule. Image source: Facebook
‘For sure. Both hands on the wheel, and not using the phone,’ one person said.
‘Given that both hands are on the steering wheel, I’m surprised this has been picked up,’ another replied.
But a third person pointed out: ‘Unfortunately mate, while you weren’t holding it, the law is (that) “no part of your body to be in contact with a mobile device.”’
A Queensland Revenue Office spokesperson explained: ‘To keep yourself and other road users safe, your full attention is needed when driving.’
‘It is illegal to hold a mobile phone in your hand or have it resting on any part of your body, such as your lap when driving.’
It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving in Queensland, even if it is on your lap or in your hand. Image source: Queensland Government
This law applies even if the device is turned off, you're not actively using it, or your car is not in motion, for instance, when you're stuck in traffic.
Surprisingly, not all drivers were familiar with this little-known traffic rule.
Many sympathised with the driver, expressing that they were not aware that having a powered-off device touching their body could incur such a fine.
One person asked if having the phone turned off while resting on the passenger seat was also an offence.
As per the Queensland Revenue Office spokesperson, 'The phone does not need to be turned on or in use for it to be an offence.'
These episodes underline the importance of keeping updated with existing traffic rules.
In Queensland, the standard penalty for handling a phone while driving is a fine of $1,161 and four demerit points.
If the same offence is committed within a year, double demerit points are recorded.
Flouting these laws is not only costly; it can also compromise your driving record and impact your ability to hold a driver’s license.
More importantly, distracted driving poses a significant danger to everyone on the road.
Remember, adhering to road safety rules is a shared responsibility. Next time when you get in the car, ensure your mobile device is stored so that it will not distract you or inadvertently come into contact with any part of your body while you are driving.
Have you checked your state's driving laws recently, and are you inadvertently making this or any other mistake that could dent your wallet? Let us know your thoughts and any peculiar driving laws you've come across.
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