Stop this driving habit or risk losing $514 and your driving licence!
- Replies 52
Navigating the roads can be challenging, especially for those new to the driver's seat.
However, for P-platers, the stakes are higher due to stringent rules that could see them facing hefty fines and the loss of their driving privileges for an everyday habit.
In a world where smartphones are essential to our daily lives, it's hard to imagine not using them for navigation, especially during long drives.
However, for your grandkids with a provisional driving licence, this everyday habit could come with a costly consequence.
Jahan Kalantar, Managing Partner of Executive Law Group, highlighted what he calls one of Australia's 'craziest road rules'.
In a video posted on social media, he warned that P-platers could be hit with a fine of up to $514 if caught using their phone's GPS.
It doesn't stop there—listening to music on your phone while driving could also lead to demerit points.
The rules, outlined by Transport for NSW, are clear: provisional drivers cannot use their phones in any capacity while driving---including hands-free mode, Bluetooth, loudspeaker, and even GPS navigation.
The only exceptions are when they must present their digital licence to police or use their phone's wallet function at a drive-thru.
P1 drivers caught using a mobile phone illegally will exceed their demerit point limit and face a three-month licence suspension.
P2 licence holders will only have two demerit points left in their record.
The standard penalty for using a phone while driving is $349, which may increase to $514 in a school zone, along with five demerit points.
Awareness must be raised, particularly among young drivers who need to realise that using their phones for directions is against the law.
The rule sparked debate among social media users, with many calling it 'outdated'.
'Not being able to use it as a GPS is insane,' one comment read.
'Making long trips without listening to music is ridiculous,' a second wrote.
'Such a crazy rule. Many young people work as delivery drivers and need a GPS to get around,' a third said.
Watch Kalantar’s explainer video here:
Source: @jahankalantarofficial/TikTok
Despite the outcry, only some believe the rule is unreasonable.
National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) Spokesman Peter Khoury stood by the policy and emphasised that it is designed to ensure a 'complete disconnect' between inexperienced drivers and their phones.
'It can be a complicated policy, but we understand why these specific restrictions would be applied to young drivers as they're still building their experience on the roads, and the last thing we want is for them to be distracted with their phones,' he said.
Mr Khoury also pointed out that there's no excuse for ignorance of the rules.
He stated that young drivers were taught what is and is not allowed while they're learning to drive, and these rules should always be remembered.
For our members driven around by their grandkids for errands, it's a reminder that while technology has made many aspects of our lives easier, there are times when we need to disconnect for our safety and the safety of others on the road.
This is a reminder for P-platers to stick to the rules, no matter how inconvenient they may seem, for the risks of not doing so are too high.
What do you think of this road rule? Do you or your grandkids rely on their phone's GPS during travels? Let us know your insights in the comments section below.
However, for P-platers, the stakes are higher due to stringent rules that could see them facing hefty fines and the loss of their driving privileges for an everyday habit.
In a world where smartphones are essential to our daily lives, it's hard to imagine not using them for navigation, especially during long drives.
However, for your grandkids with a provisional driving licence, this everyday habit could come with a costly consequence.
Jahan Kalantar, Managing Partner of Executive Law Group, highlighted what he calls one of Australia's 'craziest road rules'.
Drivers caught using their phones may face hefty fines that double up in school zones or double-demerit days. Image Credits: Pexels/Andrea Piacquadio
In a video posted on social media, he warned that P-platers could be hit with a fine of up to $514 if caught using their phone's GPS.
It doesn't stop there—listening to music on your phone while driving could also lead to demerit points.
The rules, outlined by Transport for NSW, are clear: provisional drivers cannot use their phones in any capacity while driving---including hands-free mode, Bluetooth, loudspeaker, and even GPS navigation.
The only exceptions are when they must present their digital licence to police or use their phone's wallet function at a drive-thru.
P1 drivers caught using a mobile phone illegally will exceed their demerit point limit and face a three-month licence suspension.
P2 licence holders will only have two demerit points left in their record.
The standard penalty for using a phone while driving is $349, which may increase to $514 in a school zone, along with five demerit points.
Awareness must be raised, particularly among young drivers who need to realise that using their phones for directions is against the law.
The rule sparked debate among social media users, with many calling it 'outdated'.
'Not being able to use it as a GPS is insane,' one comment read.
'Making long trips without listening to music is ridiculous,' a second wrote.
'Such a crazy rule. Many young people work as delivery drivers and need a GPS to get around,' a third said.
Watch Kalantar’s explainer video here:
Source: @jahankalantarofficial/TikTok
Despite the outcry, only some believe the rule is unreasonable.
National Roads and Motorists' Association Limited (NRMA) Spokesman Peter Khoury stood by the policy and emphasised that it is designed to ensure a 'complete disconnect' between inexperienced drivers and their phones.
'It can be a complicated policy, but we understand why these specific restrictions would be applied to young drivers as they're still building their experience on the roads, and the last thing we want is for them to be distracted with their phones,' he said.
Mr Khoury also pointed out that there's no excuse for ignorance of the rules.
He stated that young drivers were taught what is and is not allowed while they're learning to drive, and these rules should always be remembered.
For our members driven around by their grandkids for errands, it's a reminder that while technology has made many aspects of our lives easier, there are times when we need to disconnect for our safety and the safety of others on the road.
This is a reminder for P-platers to stick to the rules, no matter how inconvenient they may seem, for the risks of not doing so are too high.
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