Think your phone is safe just because it’s mounted in your car? You might be breaking the law without realising it!
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With so many of us relying on our smartphones for everything from navigation to music, it’s no wonder that phone mounts have become a staple in Aussie cars. But before you tap that screen or answer a call, it’s worth knowing that the rules around using your phone—even when it’s securely mounted—are stricter (and more confusing!) than you might think.
Let’s break down what’s legal, what’s not, and how to avoid a nasty fine that could set you back over $1,000 in some states.
Why Are the Rules So Strict?
Mobile phone use is one of the leading causes of driver distraction in Australia. According to government statistics, even a moment’s inattention can have devastating consequences on the road. That’s why every state and territory has introduced tough penalties for drivers caught using their phones illegally—whether it’s in your hand or in a cradle.
But here’s the catch: just because your phone is mounted doesn’t mean you can use it however you like. The rules vary across the country, and what’s allowed in one state could get you a hefty fine in another.
State-by-State Guide: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
**New South Wales (NSW)**- **Fully licensed drivers** can use and touch their phone in a commercially manufactured holder to make/receive calls, play audio, or use navigation.- **Texting, emailing, or watching videos** (even in a cradle) is strictly banned while driving.- **Penalties:** $410 fine and 5 demerit points, or $544 in a school zone.
**Victoria**- **Full licence holders** can use a mounted phone for calls, music, GPS, or in-built safety features.- **Learners and P1 drivers**: Only audio and GPS allowed, and only if the phone is mounted and untouched while driving.- **No one** can text, scroll, or watch videos while driving.- **Penalties:** $555 fine and 4 demerit points.
**Queensland**- **Open and P2 licence holders** can touch a mounted phone for hands-free use (calls, navigation, skipping songs, rideshare functions).- **Phone must not block your view.**- **Penalties:** $1,161 fine and 4 demerit points.
**Western Australia (WA)**- **Only allowed to touch a mounted phone to make, receive, or end a call.**- **No touching for music, navigation, or messaging—even via voice assistant.**- **Penalties:** $500 fine and 3 demerit points, or $1,000 and 4 points for messaging/social media.
**South Australia (SA)**- **Mounted phone use is limited to making/receiving calls only.**- **No touching to skip songs, change podcasts, or adjust navigation.**- **Penalties:** $556 fine, $102 Victims of Crime Levy, and 3 demerit points.
**Tasmania**- **Calls only** if the phone is in a cradle or can be operated hands-free.- **No texting, video calls, or emailing.**- **Penalties:** $390 fine and 3 demerit points.
**Australian Capital Territory (ACT)**- **Fully licensed drivers** can use a mounted phone for calls, music, and GPS, or connect via Bluetooth/CarPlay/Android Auto.- **Touching the phone for anything else is illegal.**- **Penalties:** $654 fine and 4 demerit points.
**Northern Territory (NT)**- **Calls and GPS only** if the phone is mounted or can be operated hands-free.- **No texting, video calls, or watching videos.**- **Penalties:** $500 fine and 3 demerit points.
What About Learners and P-Platers?
Across almost all states and territories, **learner and P1 drivers are banned from using a phone for any reason—even if it’s mounted**. The only exception is in Victoria, where learners and P-platers can use a mounted phone for audio and GPS, provided they don’t touch it while driving.
Common Mistakes That Could Cost You
- **Skipping a song or changing a podcast:** In many states, even a quick tap to change your music can land you a fine.- **Dictating a text or using voice assistants:** Some states (like WA) don’t allow you to use voice-to-text features, even if you’re not physically touching the phone.- **Obstructing your view:** If your phone mount blocks your vision, you could be fined—even if you’re not using the phone.- **Using your phone at traffic lights:** In most states, you’re still considered 'driving' if you’re stopped at lights, so the same rules apply.
The Rise of Mobile Phone Detection Cameras
It’s not just police on the lookout—mobile phone detection cameras are now in use across several states, including NSW, Queensland, and South Australia. These cameras can spot you using your phone, even if you think you’re being discreet. In SA alone, nearly $7 million in fines were issued in just one month!
Tips to Stay Safe (and Fine-Free!)
- **Set up your music, navigation, and calls before you start driving.**- **Use voice commands only if your state allows it.**- **If you need to use your phone, pull over and park safely first.**- **Check your state’s latest rules regularly—laws can change!**
Final Thoughts
While it might seem like a hassle, these rules are in place to keep everyone safe on the roads. The convenience of a quick text or song change just isn’t worth risking your safety—or your hard-earned money.
Have you ever been caught out by these rules, or do you have a tip for staying connected safely on the road? Share your experiences and advice in the comments below.
Let’s break down what’s legal, what’s not, and how to avoid a nasty fine that could set you back over $1,000 in some states.
Why Are the Rules So Strict?
Mobile phone rules in cars, even when cradled, are applied differently across Australian states and territories. Credit: Blackzheep / iStock
Mobile phone use is one of the leading causes of driver distraction in Australia. According to government statistics, even a moment’s inattention can have devastating consequences on the road. That’s why every state and territory has introduced tough penalties for drivers caught using their phones illegally—whether it’s in your hand or in a cradle.
But here’s the catch: just because your phone is mounted doesn’t mean you can use it however you like. The rules vary across the country, and what’s allowed in one state could get you a hefty fine in another.
State-by-State Guide: What’s Allowed and What’s Not
**New South Wales (NSW)**- **Fully licensed drivers** can use and touch their phone in a commercially manufactured holder to make/receive calls, play audio, or use navigation.- **Texting, emailing, or watching videos** (even in a cradle) is strictly banned while driving.- **Penalties:** $410 fine and 5 demerit points, or $544 in a school zone.
**Victoria**- **Full licence holders** can use a mounted phone for calls, music, GPS, or in-built safety features.- **Learners and P1 drivers**: Only audio and GPS allowed, and only if the phone is mounted and untouched while driving.- **No one** can text, scroll, or watch videos while driving.- **Penalties:** $555 fine and 4 demerit points.
**Queensland**- **Open and P2 licence holders** can touch a mounted phone for hands-free use (calls, navigation, skipping songs, rideshare functions).- **Phone must not block your view.**- **Penalties:** $1,161 fine and 4 demerit points.
**Western Australia (WA)**- **Only allowed to touch a mounted phone to make, receive, or end a call.**- **No touching for music, navigation, or messaging—even via voice assistant.**- **Penalties:** $500 fine and 3 demerit points, or $1,000 and 4 points for messaging/social media.
**Tasmania**- **Calls only** if the phone is in a cradle or can be operated hands-free.- **No texting, video calls, or emailing.**- **Penalties:** $390 fine and 3 demerit points.
**Australian Capital Territory (ACT)**- **Fully licensed drivers** can use a mounted phone for calls, music, and GPS, or connect via Bluetooth/CarPlay/Android Auto.- **Touching the phone for anything else is illegal.**- **Penalties:** $654 fine and 4 demerit points.
**Northern Territory (NT)**- **Calls and GPS only** if the phone is mounted or can be operated hands-free.- **No texting, video calls, or watching videos.**- **Penalties:** $500 fine and 3 demerit points.
Across almost all states and territories, **learner and P1 drivers are banned from using a phone for any reason—even if it’s mounted**. The only exception is in Victoria, where learners and P-platers can use a mounted phone for audio and GPS, provided they don’t touch it while driving.
Common Mistakes That Could Cost You
- **Skipping a song or changing a podcast:** In many states, even a quick tap to change your music can land you a fine.- **Dictating a text or using voice assistants:** Some states (like WA) don’t allow you to use voice-to-text features, even if you’re not physically touching the phone.- **Obstructing your view:** If your phone mount blocks your vision, you could be fined—even if you’re not using the phone.- **Using your phone at traffic lights:** In most states, you’re still considered 'driving' if you’re stopped at lights, so the same rules apply.
It’s not just police on the lookout—mobile phone detection cameras are now in use across several states, including NSW, Queensland, and South Australia. These cameras can spot you using your phone, even if you think you’re being discreet. In SA alone, nearly $7 million in fines were issued in just one month!
Tips to Stay Safe (and Fine-Free!)
- **Set up your music, navigation, and calls before you start driving.**- **Use voice commands only if your state allows it.**- **If you need to use your phone, pull over and park safely first.**- **Check your state’s latest rules regularly—laws can change!**
Final Thoughts
While it might seem like a hassle, these rules are in place to keep everyone safe on the roads. The convenience of a quick text or song change just isn’t worth risking your safety—or your hard-earned money.
