What Is The Fine For Using Your Mobile Phone Whilst Driving?

When New South Wales installed mobile phone detection cameras throughout the state in late 2019, they introduced them alongside a warning-only period, where drivers caught using their phones while driving would only be issued a warning instead of a fine.

However, once that warning period was over, 21,000 motorists were issued fines in the first two months. To compare, in the 12 months of the 2017-2018 financial year, motorists in Victoria were fined 30,000 times for mobile phone use while driving. That's only 5,000 every two months.  

Victoria and Queensland soon followed suit and installed their own mobile phone detection cameras in July 2020. 
Hopefully, the possibility of killing another road user is enough to deter you from using your phone in the first place, but if for some strange reason, it isn’t, then the possibility of copping these fines will hopefully do the trick.

The fines, penalties & consequences in Australia

If you are interested to know what the penalties are, lucky for you, you don’t need to actually get caught using your mobile just to find out. We’ll save you from getting the fine in the mail by listing all the relevant penalties below, you can thank us later!

Disclaimer: The following fines are current as of 19/07/2023.

How much is the fine in New South Wales?

It’s a $362 fine and five demerit points. If you get caught in a school zone, the fine goes up to $481. Remember, It’ll also cost you 10 points if you’re caught during double demerit periods.

How much is the fine in Queensland?

You’ll be looking at a $1,161 fine and 4 demerit points. Repeat offenders receive double demerit points if caught again within 12 months of the previous offence!

How much is the fine in Victoria?

Get caught using your phone or any other device whilst driving in Victoria and you can wave goodbye to $555 and four demerit points. If taken to court, the cost can increase as high as $1,849. Yikes!

How much is fine in Australian Capital Territory?

The ACT has split the fines into two categories. You’ll cop a $498 fine and three demerit points for handheld phone use. This goes up to $618 and four demerit points if you’re actively using your mobile device for messaging, social networking, using an application or anything else.

How much is fine in South Australia?

Getting caught in South Australia will get you a fine of $554 and a loss of three demerit points.

How much is the fine in Western Australia?

Similar to Queensland, you’ll be fined upwards of $1000 and lose three demerit points. That includes touching your mobile phone while stopped at traffic lights.

How much is the fine in Northern Territory?

The cost will send you back $500 along with three demerit points.

How much is the fine in Tasmania?

In Tassie, you can expect to be fined $346 and receive a minimum of three demerit points.

Moral of the story: don’t text and drive

So, whilst Queensland and Western Australia are equally the worst place to be caught using your mobile phone whilst driving, the fines in other states are still pretty hefty.

And as all other states have followed New South Wales by installing mobile phone detection cameras, it will only get harder and harder to get away with it, although I’m not sure why you would want to in the first place.

In most states, having an open driver's license means you can use your mobile with a hands-free setup, but that’s about it. Don’t get caught out and don’t put your life, and others, at risk just because you absolutely have to send that text or snap to your mate.