Know the rules before you get caught!
Mobile phone distraction rates are at an all-time high. With the amplified attention through the media and advertising campaigns and the now steep fines and loss of points, it’s surprising how many of us are still using phones while we drive. In this blog, we look at the road rules for NSW for the use of mobile phones while driving.
NSW Legislation
For fully licensed NSW drivers, there are only two ways you can use a mobile phone while driving.
1 . The phone is secured in a commercially manufactured and designed mount that is fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road.
The mobile can only be used;
- without touching any part of the phone – like with Bluetooth or voice activation.
- as a driver’s aid for GPS navigation
- to play audio
2. The 2nd way to legally use your phone is when it is not in a cradle and it is being used for hands-free, for Bluetooth or voice activation for making and receiving audio calls and playing audio.
The mobile can only be used;
- If you don’t touch any part of the phone. You must only use it through Bluetooth or voice activation.
- Whilst driving or riding you can’t use your phone for anything else.
2. The 2nd way to legally use your phone is when it is not in a cradle and it is being used for hands-free, for Bluetooth or voice activation for making and receiving audio calls and playing audio.
The mobile can only be used;
- If you don’t touch any part of the phone. You must only use it through Bluetooth or voice activation.
- Whilst driving or riding you can’t use your phone for anything else.
This includes;
- Texting or audio texting
- Emails
- Social media
- Games
- Taking photos
- Video messages
You cannot hold your mobile phone in any way. This means in your hand, on your lap or between your ear and shoulder.
If you want to use your mobile phone for any of these applications, your vehicle must be safely parked.
Did you know?
You can’t use a hand-held mobile phone when driving and this also includes when you’re stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic?
You can’t access your digital drivers’ licence on your phone while driving unless you have been asked by a police officer to do so?
Learner, provisional P1 and P2 drivers cannot use any function of a mobile phone while driving. They can only use their mobile phone if the vehicle is parked?
Information used from
https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/mobilephones/know-the-rules.html
https://www.mynrma.com.au/cars-and-driving/driver-training-and-licences/resources/whats-the-law-mobile-phones-and-driving
Cars don’t always operate as we expect, add the human factor in and it makes driving a dangerous task, but it’s something we take for granted as we do it every day. At Express Lube we want to ask you to give 100% attention when driving. By taking your eyes off the road for just a few seconds it could cause a dangerous situation or worse, an accident. Pay attention when driving and worry about your phone call or text when you reach your destination.
