As we all know, the convenience of mobile phones has become an integral part of our daily lives.

However, for those who handle the steering wheel often, this convenience could soon come with a hefty price tag.

Starting 19 September, South Australian drivers caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel will face steep fines of up to $658.

The introduction of mobile phone detection cameras proved to be a game-changer for traffic management.

Throughout their trial period, approximately 1000 drivers per day were caught using their phones while driving.

Mobile detection cameras in South Australia will start fining drivers who break road rules on 19 September. Image Credit: Shutterstock/
Sophon Nawit

This prompted traffic lawyers to once again go through the legislation as they look for loopholes that drivers might exploit.

Legal expert Hugh Woods pointed out that with any law, there are exceptions to the rules.

'Of course, the rules become a little bit grey in terms of what interaction with your mobile phone is,' Woods said.

To prevent loopholes, Woods ran down some regulations drivers need to keep in mind.

Drivers can use their phones hands-free if they are in a cradle.

However, this is only acceptable during voice calls. Video calls are not allowed.

While drivers can use headphones, texting, viewing video messages, or checking emails while driving are considered offences.

For those who use their phones for navigation, using GPS is allowed as long as the device is secured in a cradle.

Navigation apps should also be programmed while the vehicle is legally parked.

Lawyers also started examining the camera systems as they use artificial intelligence (AI) to issue fines.

'We're expecting there will be some challenges to the cameras,' Woods mentioned.

The AI system, which automatically issues expiation notices, could make errors that are then compounded by human oversight once South Australia Police (SAPOL) reviews the notices.

This transition period is a crucial time for drivers to adjust their habits and ensure they comply with the new laws.

Adapting to new technology and regulations could be challenging, especially when they come with such significant penalties.

We encourage our members always to prioritise safety and to familiarise themselves with the new road rules.

Key Takeaways

• Starting next month, South Australian drivers could be fined up to $658 for using mobile phones while driving.
• Thanks to the state's mobile detection cameras, about 1000 drivers have already been caught daily.
• To avoid loopholes, several law officers applied regulations that drivers should keep in mind to avoid hefty fines and penalties.
• South Australia Police (SAPOL) also anticipated several challenges as they use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect lawbreakers and file penalties.

Have you or someone you know been affected by the new mobile phone detection cameras? Do you have tips on how to stay compliant with the latest laws? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.

 

[Veggiepatch]

Highway Patrol Officer: Could you tell me why you veered off the road and hit that parked car?

Driver: Well officer, it was just checking my in-dash GPS to see if I missed the turnoff I was supposed to take.

Ever think that car manufacturers somewhat contribute the number of collisions due to inattention? Australian Design Rules need a overhaul with current vehicles' dashboards approaching that of a Airbus A380-800.

 

[Marita2023]

No Doubt, mobile phones do distract drivers and I have no doubt that it's the drivers that are irresponsible.
The only thing I use my phone for when I am driving is the GPS, even then, when unsure I pull over.
There is really no excuse, even in an emergency situation, there would be little you could do about it, that a few moments to park, would change.

 

[deni67]

I think it's pure arrogance on behalf of the drivers to use a mobile phone while driving, we all know the rules yet stupid people think they can get away with it!

 

[Ingot]

Why in this day and age aren’t major road rules just made nation wide when first introduced?

It's well past the time that road rules were benchmarked nationally.
However it seems common sense can never be benchmarked nationally - some people were "born slow" and no amount of regulation will stop them from what they wish to do, and when and how they wish to do it.

The fines are not high enough.
But if they were any higher, the revenue raising side of it would suffer, so the law progresses slowly to maximise revenue under the guise of saving lives.

The govt loves their cake ... they want the money, but they also want to be seen to be saving lives.
Solution - save your own life, save someone else an accident too, and save money ... all by driving safely.

 

[Ingot]

It annoys me that they advertise where the camera’s are located. I’m sick of driving behind idiots that are clearly looking down at their phones.

I'm sick of missing traffic lights because the dill in front of me is looking at his mobile phone while stopped at the lights.
These guys seem to know what the cameras look like and where they are located.

Not singling out Tradies here for any reason other than to say more tradies are slow away from the lights than any other vehicle - sometimes by 50 metres, and need to have the horn sounded to snap them out of their mobile phone trance.

 

[Ingot]

In Qld penalty for same offence is $1209 and 4 demerit point

And yet .... they are still catching people?

 

[Ingot]

Think about it if you drive across the USA. No less than 12 states with 12 different sets of laws and rules if you drive from New York to Los Angeles.

I'll remember that for next time I am in the States
But you nailed it perfectly.
Technology was supposed to emancipate mankind ... but it has slowed us down, and the stone age is gaining on us from the rear.

 

[Ingot]

I'll remember that for next time I am in the States
But you nailed it perfectly.
Technology was supposed to emancipate mankind ... but it has slowed us down, and the stone age is gaining on us from the rear.

In early 2000's I was waiting to be relieved from my day shift, by the afternoon staff, who was 45 mins late.
To cut out the details, it turned out that they were using their mobile phone and ran off the road, rolled down an embankment, and was killed instantly.

Fast forward around 6 months, and another person came down around a bend onto a low-level wooden-planked bridge and went over the side, upside down in the water, where they remained until 3 hrs later when someone spotted what they thought were wheels through the 10 feet deep water...

Such stories, while true, will never stop the person who thinks they won't have a problem taking a call ...

 

[Skydiver]

We've had that rule in Queensland for quite a while, but I don't know what the fin is up here?

 

[deni67]

I read somewhere years ago and I don't know if it's true or not but here in S.A. to legally use your phone, when it's not hands free, you have to pull over, switch your car off and take the keys out of the ignition.
Like I said, I don't know if it's true or not but I stick by that if I ever have to make a call or answer one, which is very rare as I hide it in the bottom of my large handbag!