In an era when smartphones seem to be an extension of our hands, it's no surprise that the temptation to glance at our screens can strike at any time.

However, when that moment comes while we're behind the wheel, the consequences can be dire—not just for our safety but for our right to drive.

In South Australia, a new crackdown on mobile phone use while driving has seen many drivers caught in the act, with some facing severe repercussions.

Despite the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras and a concerted effort by police to educate the public, a staggering 80 motorists have been detected using their devices while driving 'four or more times' in just one month.

South Australian Police report fewer drivers using mobile phones since new detection cameras were introduced. Credit: South Australia Police Official Website

On the one hand, the overall rate of expiation notices for mobile phone use while driving has decreased from 0.42 per cent to 0.23 per cent since the cameras were turned on permanently after a three-month warning period.

This suggests that the hefty penalties—including a $556 fine plus a $102 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points—impact driver behaviour.

Superintendent Darren Fielke expressed cautious optimism, noting that 'most habitual mobile phone offenders have finally put their phones down or have been taken off the road after too many demerit point deductions.'

This is a positive step towards safer roads and a testament to the effectiveness of the new technology and enforcement strategies.

However, the bad news is that drivers are still repeatedly ignoring the law.

The numbers are sobering: One driver is set to receive 15 expiation notices, while others face 11, 10, and even nine notices.

These individuals face hefty financial penalties and risk losing their licenses due to accumulating demerit points.

Superintendent Fielke's words are a stark reminder of the stakes involved: 'These drivers will pay a high price financially and lose their licence.

We can only hope that is all that is lost, and it is not a life lost due to their irresponsible behaviour.'

The mobile phone detection cameras, currently installed across five high-risk locations monitoring 13 lanes, are part of a broader initiative to curb dangerous driving habits.

With warning signs in place and more camera locations being considered for early 2025, the message is clear: it's time to disconnect from our phones when driving.

During the three-month grace period, 68,252 warning letters were sent out for phone offences.

Had fines been issued during this period, it would have amounted to a staggering $45 million in three months.

With the grace period over, authorities are expected to collect millions in fines by the end of the year.

The state's Police Commissioner Grant Stevens didn't mince words when addressing the behaviour of repeat offenders, calling it 'disgraceful.'

Key Takeaways

• South Australian Police are reporting a decrease in drivers using mobile phones since the introduction of new detection cameras.
• Despite the overall improvement, there are still significant numbers of repeat offenders, with 80 motorists detected multiple times in just one month.
• Heavy fines and demerit points have been introduced to deter the dangerous behaviour of using phones while driving.
• Mobile phone detection cameras have been permanently installed at high-risk locations, with signs warning drivers of their presence.

Have you noticed a change in driver behaviour since these cameras were introduced? Do you think the penalties are sufficient to deter repeat offenders? Let us know in the comments below.

 

[Aussie all the Way]

So let them pay the fine and lose their licence, I for one am sick of driving behind people who are on the phone and weaving all over the road, sitting at lights look across there is another on a phone how many more times do you idiots who can't seem to put the damn thing down have to be told. they seem to be sooooooo stupid get a hands free there's an idea.

 

[Luckyus]

If I'm driving, I turn the bastard phone off.

 

[drambuie69]

What I found interesting about this article was that in SA. the Gov. imposes a levy of $102 for the victims of crime coffers. GREAT IDEA.... we have a process here in NSW where the Gov. has a 'slush fund' which is available for victims to make a claim. A few years back a mate of mine made a claim, after he was assaulted by three drunks, for the fun of it. They pleaded guilty ot the assault however, my mate had around $6K in medical expenses. He applied for compensation from the offenders however, the Magistrate was gutless to make the offenders pay. My mate applied under the victims of crime process and was told there wasn't any funds available. Apparently the Gov. only tops up the fund when they want to. Maybe Minns might like to look at this as a way to keep funds available. They could also consider that we all pay a levy for 'disasters' ie: fires, floods etc. maybe a levy could be applied to those arsonists who start fires, add on $1k when convicted and we could all benefit from some of these levys being taken off our bills.... ie: cost of living relief... make the idiots, crims, businesses or Gov. departments pay and give us a break. Road trauma is a very costly issue so lets put the levy where the cause is the inconsiderate road users.

 

[Dennis]

For repeat offenders, there should be an increased scale for fines until they lose their license.

 

[helencarl16@gmail]

l am see drivers talking while holding their phones all the time l know it is accident waiting to happen. l would like so them get heavy fine and lose their licence for that reason so no one gets hurt.

 

[Col@45]

Won't make any difference to stupid people who'll still use their phones while driving.....the penalties have got to be severe to keep innocent drivers safe.
Makes me wonder how we survived before mobile phones when you constantly see people with a phone stuck to their ear these days

 

[SGH]

It is over $1200 in QLD to have a mobile phone touching any part of your body. One woman complained because she was fined when she had the phone sticking out from her bra

 

[Rosi Gordon]

If they still use their phone while driving they deserve everything they get as the warnings have been well advertised about it's danger so punish then to the Max.

 

[Isis]

No I don’t think it will deter repeat offenders. With so many cars that the phones go through and you just speak surely things will improve. Perhaps educate children so they can have a say when in the car.
Also wonder if the worst of them racking up thousands of dollars worth actually pay it.

 

[mylittletibbies]

It is over $1200 in QLD to have a mobile phone touching any part of your body. One woman complained because she was fined when she had the phone sticking out from her bra

What an idiot! Why don't they confiscate their phones on the spot if they are pulled over for using it.
Seems to me this would upset these phone-a-phobics (is there such a word,lol) more than fines, demerit points etc
I realise they can go and buy another but they would be flipping out not having a phone even just for that amount of time.

 

[Caron]

How many will actually pay the fines, and how many people who lose their licenses actually stop driving?

 

[Fernsie]

Not only is driving whilst using a mobile phone against the law, no one has mentioned the dog on the driver's lap is an accident waiting to happen.

 

[Inot54]

I don’t think monetary fines work. If people can’t pay due to limited funds they can be reduced to small amounts payable over a period of time therefore rendering them a minor inconvenience. However demerit points can’t be reduced and are therefore much more scary. If you think, you never have a friend worn you “$’ weekend!” but it’s always “don’t forget it’s double demerits!” Maybe that’s where the answer lies. However as stated idiots will always be idiots!

 

[Veggiepatch]

I have some difficulty in coming to grips with the imposition of a Victims of Crime being levied against person who commit the OFFENCE of using a mobile phone whilst driving. Such an offence is NOT a crime for which you can be charged and convicted under any legislation under The Crimes Act or similar.

Why not extend this levy penalty to running a red light, speeding or urinating in a public place? Just another revenue raising exercise under the guise of making roads safer. Just say the penalty has increased to X dollars and be done with it.

And since when has using a mobile phone whilst driving been a "disgraceful road act"? Sounds like you were driving while engaging in sexual act in full view of other motorists!

 

[Willowis147]

I for the life of me can't understand the Stupidity of these Drivers. One Bloke was sent 31 warning letters.. even in the grace period.. has now been Reported 5 times done his licence and Thousands of dollars in fines...he did Not Learn in the grace period and now is paying for his stupidity..
An other penalty could be Paying more on their vehicles insurance. . because they a an accident going somewhere to happen..

 

[magpie1]

Just keep raising the monetary limit and keep increasing the number of demerit points lost until they wake the hell up. There is only one excuse now and that is their STUPIDITY. I have no qualms whatsoever about the amount the Gov't makes from these fines.....road safety is paramount in all states and these perpetrators need to acknowledge that or get off the F****** roads once and for all.

 

[Beverley-May]

There should be a fine for having a dog on your lap too.

 

[Barbara V]

They need to take their cars away. Losing their licence with demerit points won't work they will still drive without a licence. It's a addiction as bad as being on drugs

 

[Vinylted]

It is over $1200 in QLD to have a mobile phone touching any part of your body. One woman complained because she was fined when she had the phone sticking out from her bra

Hmmm maybe on vibrate... for a bit of fun? oops