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.

 

[Singomate]

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

Exactly right woman holding up traffic at intersection guy behind got out and I suspect had a few choice words all to no avail she I think sat thru 2 light changes on purpose so you can't win, take the bloody license off them no excuses, or second chance.

 

[Dennis]

If they say they cannot pay the fines give them some hard labour jobs over the W/Es for 2 yrs.

 

[Mickey1948]

Easy to fix this problem. First offence , take the phone. Second offence take the car or truck.

 

[Hirst1]

In Qld the penalty is much higher for use of a mobile phone while driving. You can't touch it or have it on your body even if switched off.

 

[Suzanne rose]

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.

Oh the definitely take from people to add to the victims funds.

A couple of years ago my son who is now 24 , was out in Cronulla with a group of friends . They just had a nice dinner and were heading back to the car ,when one of my sons friend was attacked from behind. He was king hit in the back of the head and fell to the ground. The perpetrator went on to kick him including his head.
My son jumped in to pull this guy off his friend when this guy then started on my son. My son then gave it to this guy.

The police arrived and arrested both my son and the perpetrator.

My son went to court was given a huge fine, he was put on a good behaviour bond . He also has court cost, solicitor fees and a victims fund amount.

This was the first time my son ever appeared in court or had charges against him

My son walked away from court asking , was he supposed to stand and see his friend attacked , laying there unconscious and not try to protect him !!

My son said he would do it all again to protect anyone. He could never stand by and see an attack like this and not do nothing.

We had a call the next morning from the victims dad thanking my son. He said if it wasn't for my son ,his son could have either ended up with brain damage or dead. He spent a few days in hospital.

What doesn't make sense is my son copped a harsher penalty than the guy who started it. Apparently it really depends on which judge you get

The guy who attacked my friends son reached out to my son on fb and apologised , he said he was very drunk !!

 

[Charlotte59]

I noticed in the pic you used that the driver has a dog on their lap, i believe that in NSW, this too is illegal and subject to a fine. In fact my next door has been fined for this very thing.

 

[Charlotte59]

Oh the definitely take from people to add to the victims funds.

A couple of years ago my son who is now 24 , was out in Cronulla with a group of friends . They just had a nice dinner and were heading back to the car ,when one of my sons friend was attacked from behind. He was king hit in the back of the head and fell to the ground. The perpetrator went on to kick him including his head.
My son jumped in to pull this guy off his friend when this guy then started on my son. My son then gave it to this guy.

The police arrived and arrested both my son and the perpetrator.

My son went to court was given a huge fine, he was put on a good behaviour bond . He also has court cost, solicitor fees and a victims fund amount.

This was the first time my son ever appeared in court or had charges against him

My son walked away from court asking , was he supposed to stand and see his friend attacked , laying there unconscious and not try to protect him !!

My son said he would do it all again to protect anyone. He could never stand by and see an attack like this and not do nothing.

We had a call the next morning from the victims dad thanking my son. He said if it wasn't for my son ,his son could have either ended up with brain damage or dead. He spent a few days in hospital.

What doesn't make sense is my son copped a harsher penalty than the guy who started it. Apparently it really depends on which judge you get

The guy who attacked my friends son reached out to my son on fb and apologised , he said he was very drunk !!

I've noticed in many cases that the criminal gets off almost scott free these days, it's wrong and i think it's past time for us to take back what's right and make the criminals more accountable for their wrongdoings. As for perpetrator apologising to your because he was drunk, i find that being drunk is no excuse for his behaviour.

 

[Veggiepatch]

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

A TITLATING experience for the driver....

 

[ceej163]

I’m not surprised people still use their phones whilst driving, but I also don’t understand that and why they do it, considering the safety aspect and the huge fines.
Put your phone in your bag or turn it on plane mode while your driving.
NO phone call is worth killing someone for

 

[Chicky]

Good grief that woman deserved to get a fine .
She was holding her mobile phone and a dog which is on her lap . If that dog decided to move and bump her hand or she had to pull up quick she would cause an accident.

 

[Chicky]

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

I'm afraid you are so right on this. I've heard so many people who don't pay their fines. They still drive cars too. The punishment needs to be bigger and different.

 

[Jingdow]

For a long period now, I’ve been canvassing against all mobile phone, laptops and video games out of motor vehicles.
As a road user, by motor car and bicycle this phenomenon of mobile phones used by motorist must come to an end.
The fatality rate, where motorists using their mobile phone, are increasing at an alarming rate.
As cyclist on the road, the near misses that I’ve personally encountered are terrifying, that alone as prompted me from using bicycle path rather than roads.
Time is now long overdue, all this electronic devices, Bluetooth or hand free MUST be removed or not allowed to be motor vehicles.
Safety is paramount, no distractions should be a temptation for a driver.

 

[Veggiepatch]

For a long period now, I’ve been canvassing against all mobile phone, laptops and video games out of motor vehicles.
As a road user, by motor car and bicycle this phenomenon of mobile phones used by motorist must come to an end.
The fatality rate, where motorists using their mobile phone, are increasing at an alarming rate.
As cyclist on the road, the near misses that I’ve personally encountered are terrifying, that alone as prompted me from using bicycle path rather than roads.
Time is now long overdue, all this electronic devices, Bluetooth or hand free MUST be removed or not allowed to be motor vehicles.
Safety is paramount, no distractions should be a temptation for a driver.

Remove all other distracting devices in motor vehicles as well such as GPS, climate control, speedometers, indicators, entertainment and coffee cup holders. Fine drivers for taking their eyes off the road for a millisecond.

More realistically, ban all unregistered and uninsured two wheeled pests, ridden by law breaking lycra clad tossers that have no regard for legitimate road users except themselves.

They can't even adhere to the law on shared pathways! Pedestrians and persons using mobility aids have the right of way on such pathways BY LAW. These bicycled boofheads think it's the other way around.

 

[gordon1940]

The problem vanishes the moment the Law is altered to permit confiscation of the Phone ONLY after Saturation Advertising advising all.

 

[rainbow4]

How about the drivers who use their phones for GPS? Are we lumped into the same category? My phone is on the dash via a magnet and I do not touch it, but am I at risk of a fine?

 

[Chicky]

How about the drivers who use their phones for GPS? Are we lumped into the same category? My phone is on the dash via a magnet and I do not touch it, but am I at risk of a fine?

I think it only applies to holding your mobile phone in your hand while driving. But I would find out to be sure.

 

[Willowis147]

dog

There is .a Fine...there is also a fine for the driver for allowing passengers & or themselves to have any Limb out of any vehicle..

 

[Kevin. A.]

I have little sympathy for drivers caught using their mobile phone while driving. If your phone rings, then pull over and answer the phone off the road. There is a very graphic image on Facebook of a car, or more to the point, what was left of the car, after a mother of two or three children, was using her mobile phone while driving down the highway at 100kmph. and slammed into the rear of a stationary semitrailer. Needless to say, the entire occupants of the car were killed instantly. The mother's inattention for that spit second cost her and her family their lives. The mother reportedly was still holding the mobile phone when the emergency services extracted her and her children's bodies from what was left of the car.