18 April 2017
Double demerits are enforced for five days over the ANZAC weekend - Friday 21 April to Tuesday 25 April 2017 inclusive - which means you could easily have your licence suspended if caught illegally using your mobile phone while driving.
How many points will I lose for using a mobile phone illegally over the ANZAC weekend?
You will lose 8 demerit points for using a mobile phone illegally while driving. A fine of $319 also applies.
This is over half of a full NSW drving licence.
It also means immediate suspension for three months for all P drivers and riders.
How many points do drivers have?
- Fully licensed - 13 points
- Professional driver - 14 points
- P2 (green) - 7 points
- P1 (red) - 4 points
- Learners - 4 points
What can I do with my mobile phone while driving ?
L drivers, Red P drivers, Green P drivers and riders
There is zero tolerance for mobile phone use for Learner, Provisional 1 (red Ps) drivers, Provisional 2 (green Ps) drivers and motorcyclists. This includes when waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.
Learner and P1 drivers and riders penalised for illegally using a mobile phone (four demerit points) will exceed their demerit point threshold and face a three-month licence suspension. P2 drivers and riders will have three demerit points remaining if they are penalised for illegally using a mobile phone.
During the ANZAC period, with double demerit points taking the offence to the loss of 8 points, all provisional drivers and riders will have their licence suspended for three months.
Fully licensed drivers, and motorcyclists, bicyclists
NSW Offences
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I hold and use my phone when waiting at traffic lights, or stuck in traffic?
No. It is illegal to hold and use your phone at any time while driving or riding. If you want to hold and use your phone your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.
2. Can I use my mobile phone for calls if it is on loudspeaker and in my lap?
No. It is illegal to have your mobile phone touching any part of your body, other than to pass it to a passenger.
3. Can I have my mobile phone in my pocket if I'm using Bluetooth to make or receive a call?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence. You can use a mobile phone for calls if it does not require you to touch the phone in any way (e.g. via Bluetooth). The rules allow your mobile phone to be in a pocket of your clothing.
No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps) or provisional P2 licence (green Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.
4. Can I listen to music on my phone if it is in a cradle?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence. You can use the audio playing function of a mobile phone as long as the phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn't obscure your view of the road, or the phone can be operated without you touching any part of it, such as via Bluetooth.
No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps) or provisional P2 licence (green Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.
5. Can I dial a number if my mobile phone is in a cradle?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence. You can use a mobile phone for calls if it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle. Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider if the call is urgent and the demands of the traffic before using your mobile.
No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps) or provisional P2 licence (green Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.
6. Can I use the GPS function on my mobile phone?
Yes, if you have a full unrestricted licence. You can use a mobile phone as a driver's aid, such as GPS, as long as it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn't obscure your view of the road. You cannot hold your phone to use the GPS function.
No, if you have a learner or provisional P1 licence (red Ps) or provisional P2 licence (green Ps), you are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.
7. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone if I am a learner or P1 licence holder?
Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver's view of the road. The device must not be placed in a location that will increase the likelihood of injury in a crash.
8. Can I send a text message if my mobile phone is secured in a cradle?
No. You cannot text at all while driving, whether or not your phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle.
9. What kind of cradle can I use for my mobile phone?
Your mobile phone must be in a mounting that is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose.
10. Where can I attach a cradle to my vehicle?
The mounting must be fixed to the vehicle in the manner intended by the manufacturer. It must not obscure your view of the road (in front and to the sides), and must not be placed in a location that will increase the likelihood of injury to you or a passenger in a crash.
Source: © Transport for New South Wales Last Updated:
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