Drivers face $658 penalties as new innovative detection technology goes live

A new wave of technology is being rolled out to ensure driver safety, but it could also hurt your wallet if you're not careful.

Advanced systems like motion phone detection cameras and automated traffic enforcement monitor our roads more closely than ever.

These innovations aim to reduce distractions and enhance compliance with traffic laws, ultimately creating safer driving environments.


In South Australia, a new set of eyes is watching from above, and they're not the forgiving kind.

Mobile phone detection cameras, which have been testing since June, are now fully operational and ready to issue hefty fines to those caught using their phones while driving.


1726715195530.png
New mobile phone detection cameras in South Australia issued $658 fines for drivers using their phones. Credit: Shutterstock


The cameras, which have been discreetly installed in various locations, including Torrensville, Darlington, Regency Park, Gapps Cross, and Hindmarsh, are part of a significant push to curb the dangerous habit of using mobile phones while driving.

During the trial phase, drivers caught by these cameras were sent warning letters, but the consequences will be much more severe from now on.

If you're caught using your mobile phone while driving, you'll face a substantial $658 fine, including a $102 levy to support South Australia’s Victims of Crime program.


This is no small sum, especially for those with fixed incomes or who manage tight budgets. Moreover, the fine comes with a penalty of three demerit points, which could lead to losing your driving licence.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has clarified that there will be no apologies for those who lose their licences due to demerit points.

‘We make no apologies if someone loses their licence through demerit points.’ he said.

In just two months, the cameras recorded over 71,000 instances of mobile phone use—roughly one in every 100 cars.

‘The rate at which these cameras are catching distracted drivers is frankly alarming,’ South Australian Police Superintendent Darren Fielke commented.


‘The cameras are showing us a distracted driver every two minutes, which indicates a grave issue on our roads.’

Distraction contributes to up to 30 per cent of all serious car accidents.

Last year, South Australia experienced its deadliest period on the roads in recent history, with a 61.4 per cent increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.

It's important to remember that it's illegal to use a mobile phone while operating a vehicle unless it's through a Bluetooth headset, headphones, or in-car audio.

‘It is an offence to create, send or look at a text, video message or email on a mobile phone while driving, even if the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle,’ SA Police noted.


The technology behind these cameras is quite advanced. Mounted in elevated positions, they peer down through windscreens, capturing images of drivers in the act.

Artificial intelligence then sifts through these images, and any potential offences are reviewed by authorised personnel.

New South Wales was the pioneer in this technology, with their program becoming fully operational in March 2020.

Since then, they've conducted 135 million checks annually, and the fines there are just as steep, with additional demerit points during double demerit periods.

‘Drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera in NSW will be fined $387, or $514 if detected in a school zone, and receive five demerit points,’ the NRMA exclaimed.

‘This will double to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.’


Mobile phone detection cameras are not deployed in Western Australia or the Northern Territory.

These cameras also monitor drivers and front-seat passengers in certain areas to ensure they wear seatbelts.
Key Takeaways
  • New mobile phone detection cameras in South Australia started issuing $658 fines for drivers caught using their phones while driving.
  • During a three-month trial period, over 71,000 instances of mobile phone use were recorded, and if real fines had been issued, the total value would have surpassed $45 million.
  • Drivers caught using mobile phones will also incur three demerit points, and repeat offenders were sent multiple warning letters during the trial.
  • The use of the cameras aims to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on the road, following a year that marked a 61.4 per cent increase in road deaths in South Australia.
Have you had any experiences with these new mobile phone detection cameras? Do you have some tips on how to avoid the temptation of using your phone while driving? Share your thoughts and advice in the comments below.
 
Sponsored
How come its allowable to use headphones ?. Bit rediculous, can't hear sirens or car horns!
If you have a problem with headphones what about the posers with their blasting music and also deaf people neither which can hear the presence of cops, ambos or firies. It's taking your eyes off the road, not hearing sirens that causes crashes.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
Normally the use of two-way hand pieces are used to help other drivers to let them know of traffic problem, clear to pass, and the list could go on and on.
taking one hand off the wheel to answer, is neither here or their, people take one hand off to scratch them self, rest the hand and arm and many other things.
That does not mean it’s dangerous , I have a brother with one arm, he is still allowed to drive legall.
I would hope he does. Different kettle of fish in his situation. Congratulations to him for adapting to this. But in the situations l mentioned a driver is somewhat distracted by their action. Picking up a handset is not always an automatic reaction as they may be momentarily looking for the handset. As has been proven, a lot can happen in the blink of an eye.
 
Simple put your phone on silent while driving or put it in the glove box, hand bag anywhere it's not tempting. Once upon a time we left our homes work places what ever, and would not have known if anyone had rang the home phone. In one respect the mobile phone is a blessing. In case of an accident for safety, then in another way it's has made people extremely rude to be around. People yelling into their phones while chatting in public or going through the registers at shops talking on phone lined up in the few banks that are left sitting with family and friends who have the phone in front of them while hanging out with you, or the best one their phones ring and they are tripping over themselves to answer them then walk outside no excuse me nothing.
Mid sentence. When l am walking and l run into anyone if my phone rings. They look at me like well you better get that. I say. Don't worry about the phone l am talking to you. They look at me so surprised.
If my phone dings and dongs rings while l have visitors or am visiting l ignore it. If it is urgent they will keep ringing straight away. Then l would excuse myself to answer it. It seems to me people think they are so important now they have to answer every ding dong call no matter what the situation.
I find it is very sad. The art of sitting relaxing and chatting has gone now.
It is such a dangerous distraction while driving.
Just my thoughts.
Kind regards to all Vicki
We are alike on this subject Bella. The phone stays on the table at home & when it dings l'll look at it in my time. Normally only a reminder for an appointment anyway.
 
  • Like
Reactions: BellaB18
Years ago l queried with the St Johns Ambulance Service why one of their drivers was using a hand held mobile phone as he pulled up in front of the Royal Perth Hospital & included the registration # of the Ambulance, but received no reply. He had a patient on board & may not have been travelling very fast, but this action still contravened the law then.

Why don't authorities pass a law to make the use of a two-way hand piece illegal too? This requires removing one hand from the steering wheel, possibly taking vision off the road as a driver reaches over to the handpiece & then continuing to drive with this in one hand.

This law would also affect a lone Police Officer in a Police vehicle too, or would it? Emergency Services?
Road Rule 305 allows EMS to use phones.

Two way radio is far, far different to a phone. A phone can be used for internet access, video calls, watching videos, texting, reading small text, type on the phone. A two way is held in one hand and all you can do is talk. And you do not need both hands on the wheel all the time.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ezzy
If you have a problem with headphones what about the posers with their blasting music and also deaf people neither which can hear the presence of cops, ambos or firies. It's taking your eyes off the road, not hearing sirens that causes crashes.
Ridiculous! Look at the BIG Picture.
 
They don't drive their planes on the roads
You deprived me of a response that suggested you "got" my meaning. In response to your blunt reply:

Yes, we do drive our planes on the roads. These roads are called taxiways and runways, and they command our attention to avoid collisions every bit as much as that required by drivers of terrestrial vehicles. Then there are the three-dimensional air routes.

You will have seen the complexity of flight decks. We are trained to use them. We are people. People have learnt how to drive AND manipulate air conditioning, the radio, make glances in the rear view mirror, wing mirrors and yet the police and their lords and master target certain aspects of driving that are well within the human capability but which are revenue grabbers.

Target the idiots. Not the 99.99% of human beings who have adapted to technology. Target the alcohol and drug users - these are the real criminals.

I hope this helps you better understand human factors.
 
Just 'Luv" it when someone brings up the not so 'Old', Old things & ways that we used to do or otherwise.
 

Join the conversation

News, deals, games, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.

Seniors Discount Club

The SDC searches for the best deals, discounts, and bargains for Aussies over 60. From everyday expenses like groceries and eating out, to electronics, fashion and travel, the club is all about helping you make your money go further.
  1. New members
  2. Jokes & fun
  3. Photography
  4. Nostalgia / Yesterday's Australia
  5. Food and Lifestyle
  6. Money Saving Hacks
  7. Offtopic / Everything else

Latest Articles

  • We believe that retirement should be a time to relax and enjoy life, not worry about money. That's why we're here to help our members make the most of their retirement years. If you're over 60 and looking for ways to save money, connect with others, and have a laugh, we’d love to have you aboard.
  • Advertise with us

User Menu

Enjoyed Reading our Story?

  • Share this forum to your loved ones.
Change Weather Postcode×
Change Petrol Postcode×