If you’re a driver on your full licence, you’re allowed to use your mobile phone in the car, as long as you meet the strict requirements laid out by the mobile phone rules.
You can only use your mobile phone if it’s secured in a cradle affixed to your car, or it can be operated without touch, and only to:
- Make or receive audio phone calls.
- Use audio functions.
- Navigate.
All other mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. This includes email, texting, playing games, taking photos or video, or using any other functions on your phone.
These mobile phone laws sound simple; however, they can be stricter than you think.
Watch out for the following:
- Mobile phone laws still apply when your vehicle is stopped but not parked, for example when you are stopped at a traffic light.
- You can be fined if your mobile phone is touching any part of your body, or even on your lap.
- If you’re on your L or P1 licence, you’re not permitted to use your mobile phone while driving at all in NSW, QLD, SA, TAS and VIC.
- If you’re on your P2 licence, you can use your mobile phone in accordance with these laws in most states, except in NSW or QLD.
These laws don’t just apply to mobile phones, but also include other distracting devices such as DVD players, computers, tablets, and smartwatches.
