Over half of Australians spend three or more hours a day on their mobile phones.1 Depending on the timing, it’s a habit that can put a dent in everything from quality of sleep to personal relationships.2,3 But there’s at least one place where using your mobile phone is not just risky – it’s potentially deadly.
Let’s say you’re driving at 50km/h, if you take your eyes off the road to look at your phone for just two seconds, you’ll essentially travel 27 metres as if you’re blindfolded.4 As a result, drivers are 10 times more at risk of crashing if they’re texting, browsing or emailing on their phone.5
“Even having a hands-free conversation when you’re driving can be distracting, because the person you’re talking to isn’t in the car,” says Russell White, Founder and Chair of the Australian Road Safety Foundation.
“This means your brain’s situational awareness capabilities are impacted because it’s constantly flicking between what’s happening on the road and in the conversation, where the person you’re talking to can’t see the situational cues to stop talking.”
Despite the risks, one third of drivers in Australia admit to using their phone illegally when they’re behind the wheel.5 More than 330,000 traffic fines for mobile phone misuse were issued in 2024 alone – about 88% of them detected by mobile phone cameras.6 So on top of being dangerous, it can also be costly – and, as you’ll find in this article – could even impact your car insurance.
What are mobile phone cameras and why are they used?
Mobile phone cameras can detect drivers who use mobile phones and other portable devices illegally while they’re driving. They can usually also detect if drivers or passengers aren’t wearing their seatbelts.7
The aim is to encourage people to comply with the rules around mobile phone use behind the wheel – and statistics suggest it’s starting to work.6
While more mobile phone cameras are being installed on Australian roads,8 the number of fines being issued in states where cameras are well established continues to fall significantly from year to year.6
In Victoria alone the widespread rollout of mobile phone cameras is predicted to prevent 95 casualty crashes each year.7
What do mobile phone cameras look like?
There are two types of mobile phone detection cameras – ones that are fixed in place and others that are transportable.9
Fixed cameras are usually black boxes that resemble red light or speed cameras and are typically attached to existing infrastructure. Transportable cameras feature large arm-like structures and are often housed in bright yellow trailers that sit on the side of the road.10
Some states and territories use both types of cameras,9 while others only use one type.11
How do mobile phone cameras work?
Mobile phone detection cameras take photos of every car that passes by and can operate at any time of day and in all weather and traffic conditions.7
These photos capture the vehicle’s licence plate and two angles from inside the car – a forward-facing one that can detect “phone to ear” offences and a steep, downward angle from above that can detect other types of mobile phone offences, such as texting or scrolling.7
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology then reviews the images, automatically erasing those where no offence is detected and passing ones that need reviewing on to a qualified, independent officer.7
How far away can mobile phone cameras detect a car? About 20-30 metres away is a good guide,12 but it can depend on the specific camera technology being used.
Mobile phone detection camera locations in Australia
With the exception of the Northern Territory, mobile phone cameras are used all over Australia.8
Cameras are typically installed in or transported to locations where there’s a history of crashes, illegal use of mobile phones behind the wheel has previously been detected, or where there’s an increased risk due to vulnerable road users.13
Some states and territories publish the exact locations of fixed cameras – and some also share where transportable cameras can be found. For example, you can find out where cameras are located in:
However, mobile phone detection camera locations in NSW,14 Tasmania and Queensland10 are not published. In NSW, for example, this covert strategy is aimed at encouraging state-wide compliance via “anywhere, anytime” enforcement.14
Penalties for using a mobile phone illegally when you’re driving
Fine amounts and demerit point values for illegal mobile phone use while driving vary around the country.
For example, in Tasmania, the penalty for using a mobile phone illegally behind the wheel is a fine of $410 and 3 demerit points;15 but in Queensland, you’ll be fined $1,251 and given 4 demerit points for the same offence.16
Plus, in order to encourage safe driving habits around schools in NSW, fines for mobile phone offences are higher when they occur in a school zone.17 And in some states and territories double demerit points apply to mobile phone offences.17
It’s also worth noting that learner and provisional licence holders often have stricter mobile phone rules to follow than full licence holders.13
You can read more about the mobile phone rules and restrictions that apply in:
- SA
- ACT
- Victoria– for full licence holders and for learner and provisional licence holders
- WA
- NSW
- Queensland
- Tasmania
- NT
Tips to avoid a mobile phone fine and stay safe
The resources listed above can help you understand what is and isn’t allowed in your state or territory. However, White has this advice:
“Just because it’s legal doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe,” he says.
“It might be legal to answer a call on hands free, but if you’re in peak-hour traffic or it’s bucketing down with rain, it’s probably not the best time to take a call,” White notes.
“Make the effort to become more aware of your mobile phone behaviours and choices, even if they’re legal, and the potential consequences they might have.”
So, in addition to abiding strictly by the rules, the road safety expert also encourages drivers to make considered, sensible choices.
You could also consider the following:18
- Turning your phone off or placing it out of sight and set to flight mode before you start driving
- Letting people know ahead of time that you’re driving “phone free” to remove any pressure to answer calls
- Phoning home before you set off to check if you need to pick anything up on the way
- Making it a habit to pull off the road and parking safely if you really need to make or take a call.18
Who is most affected by mobile phone camera fines?
In addition to the money involved, the impact of a mobile phone camera fine can depend on the demerit points balance on your driver’s licence. If you reach your demerit point limit, your licence may be suspended.19
Learner and provisional licence holders have lower demerit point limits,19 and in some states, receiving a single fine from a mobile phone camera might push you over that limit. For example, in Queensland, a mobile phone fine comes with 4 demerits.16 Learners and P-platers here risk having their licence suspended for three months if they get 4 or more demerit points within a single year.20,21
Do mobile phone offences affect your car insurance?
Potentially. “Having demerit points on your driver’s licence — including any from mobile phone infringements – could impact the cost of your car insurance,” explains Marni Jackson, Youi’s Head of Product – Vehicle and Lifestyle.
“Higher demerit point totals may signal a pattern of risky driving behaviour, which insurers can take into account when assessing your risk profile. This could result in higher insurance premiums when it’s time to renew or take out a new policy.”
Now that you know the rules and the risks, you might feel more confident about managing your mobile phone use when you’re driving, but other drivers might not be as vigilant. Youi has a range of you-shaped car insurance options that could help if your car’s involved in an accident – consider starting a quote today to see if there’s a policy that suits your needs.
Note: Information in this article is relevant as of October 2025 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant Government websites for updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: Australian Government – Enhanced Electromagnetic Energy (EME) Program Telecommunications Usage Survey Report, June 2024
2 Source: Sleep Health Foundation – Technology and Sleep, January 2024
3 Source: Relationships Australian NSW – How to Set Healthy Boundaries Around Technology and Relationships, February 2024
4 Source: Transport Victoria – Mobile phones, devices and driving
5 Source: Transport Accident Commission – The facts – distractions and driving
6 Source: Australian Government – Police enforcement, August 2025
7 Source: Vic Government – Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras, August 2025
8 Source: Drive – Buckle up as new Australian road rules take effect starting July 1, June 2025
9 Source: NSW Government – Mobile phones
10 Source: Drive – What do mobile phone cameras look like? Here’s how to spot them, August 2024
11 Source: Transport Accident Commission – Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras
12 Source: Canberra City News – Revealed: how the mobile-detection cameras work, February 2022
13 Source: ACT Government – Mobile distraction
14 Source: NSW Government – NSW Automated Enforcement Strategy for road safety, November 2022
15 Source: Tas Government – Penalties and Infringements
16 Source: Qld Government – Demerit points schedule
17 Source: NSW Government – Search offences and penalties, July 2025
18 Source: Qld Government – Phone down. Chin up
19 Source: NSW Government – How demerit points work
20 Source: Qld Government – Provisional licence demerit points, December 2023
21 Source: Qld Government – Learner licence demerit points, July 2025
22 Exclusions, limits and additional fees may apply. See the Car Insurance PDS for full details.
