Drivers caught doing the wrong thing by mobile phone detection cameras will receive a $344 fine ($457 in a school zone) and five demerit points. The penalty will increase to 10 demerit points during double-demerit periods.
The world-first mobile phone detection cameras have been operating in NSW in a three-month warning period since 1 December 2019. During this time, nine million vehicles were checked and 30,000 warning letters sent to offending drivers.
The high-definition mobile phone detection cameras capture images of the front-row cabin space of all vehicles to detect illegal phone use.
Artificial intelligence is used to automatically review images, detect offending drivers and exclude images of non-offending drivers.
The mobile phone detection cameras are both fixed and transportable with trailer-mounted cameras. They will frequently move around the state.
NSW Police will continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations.
Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said taking your eyes off the road for longer than two seconds doubled the risk of a crash.
“The decision to pick up your phone can have fatal consequences. Whether you’re driving on a major highway or an isolated road in the bush, there’s no excuse for using your phone illegally,” Mr Toole said.
Find out more about rules on mobile phone use in NSW.
