Driving in Australia? How To Use Your Phone Legally


Using your mobile phone whilst driving is a known hazard and one of the leading causes of road accidents. Studies explain how this serves as a road distraction to motorists since it may lead to slower reaction times and riskier decision making. Governments are now implementing stricter road laws to prevent accidents caused by driver distraction because of using your smartphone whilst on the road.

Australia has strict road laws nationwide, and the government charges a huge fine and demerit for anyone using their phone whilst driving. Using your smartphone for texting, taking photos, or any application where you need to reach your device is considered illegal in Australia. It’s unlawful to do any of these whilst your car is stationary.

State

Fine

Demerit Points

Queensland

$1000

4

Southern Australia

$554

3

Northern Territory

$500

3

Victoria

$496

4

Australian Capital Territory

$480

3

Western Australia

$400

3

New South Wales

$344

5 – demerit points are doubled during Christmas, New Years, and Easter

Tasmania

$336

3

Information in this table is subject to change without prior notice.

When Can a Driver Legally Use Their Phone?

You can still do essential applications like make or receive phone calls and play music as long as these are operated without touching any part of your device whilst driving. These applications must be managed only via Bluetooth or voice control. You can also use your smartphone for GPS, provided your phone is in a cradle or position in the car that doesn’t obscure the road’s view.

Making transactions with e-wallet functions are also okay only if the vehicle is stationary and off the road (e.g. car parks and drive thru). Drivers are also only allowed to hold their phone if they’re passing it on to a passenger.

What is considered illegal?

Other functions such as texting, emailing, or browsing is not permitted even when you’re waiting at a stoplight or stuck in traffic. These are only allowable when your car is parked and out of the line of traffic.

Australia and Motion Detection Cameras

Motion detection cameras are slowly being rolled out by the government nationwide. These cameras are used as a tool to detect drivers using their smartphone illegally while on the road. The motion detection cameras program is first introduced in NSW, with ACT to follow next in the first half of 2021.

Avoid Driver Distractions with Strike Car Phone Cradles



Samsung Galaxy S21 5G Car Phone Holder

Strike delivers legal hands-free solutions for motorists. Strike’s phone mounts provide you with fast charging, signal boosting capability, rugged protection, and a comfortable viewing position in your vehicle. The PRO-install version charges your device with 3.0 amps and 2.4 amps for the DIY version.

These car phone cradles are designed with an internal passive antenna that you can connect to a reputable external antenna for signal boosting capabilities. We recommend our car phone antennas, such as the B2 Bullbar Mount Antenna, for effective signal gain. You can also check out our wide range of antennas and patch leads available here.

Strike’s car phone mounts are also engineered with rugged protection. These phone cradles can withstand difficult work conditions and survive up to 25G in the event of an accident. This feature is suitable for enterprise industries and workforces, including Public Safety, Warehousing, Manufacturing, Transportation and more. Check out our wide range of Strike car phone cradles available here!

About Strike Group


Strike Group is Australia’s leading provider and manufacturer of innovative car technologies. Strike integrates innovative design and seamless engineering in all its products. The company now exports to 72 countries having appointed key partners in the American and European market.
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