Mobile phone detection cameras operating in NSW

Mobile phone detection cameras in New South Wales have been in operation for over a year. Tell us your thoughts on the program and we will share your comments with the government.

A woman's hand holds a phone while she is in the driver's seat

Mobile phone detection cameras (fixed and transportable) have been in operation in NSW since March 2020 and ACT since November 2023.

What are mobile phone detection cameras?

Unlike speed and red-light cameras, mobile phone detection cameras use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect illegal phone use. They can operate in all weather conditions, including fog and heavy rain.

The system uses AI to automatically review images and detect offending drivers, and to exclude images of non-offending drivers from further action. Images that the automated system considers likely to contain a driver illegally using a mobile phone are reviewed by authorised personnel. Both fixed and transportable versions of the cameras use the same camera technology.

Grainy b&w image of a person holding their phone while driving

How are the mobile phone detection cameras being rolled out and what are the penalties?

The cameras were introduced in News South Wales as a trial on 1 December 2019 before becoming fully operational from 1 March 2020. The NSW Government has expanded the program to perform 135 million vehicle checks by 2023.

Drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera in NSW will be fined $387, or $514 if detected in a school zone, and receive five demerit points (this will double to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods). Get the most up-to-date mobile phone detection camera fines.

The detection cameras were introduced in the ACT in November 2023 with infringements and demerit points will being issued from February 2024.

What can the cameras detect?

The ACT government has advised that mobile phone detection cameras are able to detect:

A driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device in their hand at the ear or above the shoulder.
A driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device by resting the device between the ear and the driver's shoulder,
A driver holding a mobile device in their hand or hands, including where it is held at chest level or below,
A driver touching, but not holding, a mobile device with their hand where the device is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle, and
A mobile device that is resting on any part of the body of a driver whether or not the device is also touched or held (except where the device is in a pocket of the driver's clothing or in a pouch that is worn by the driver).

When can a driver legally use a mobile phone in a car?

Drivers can use their mobile phone to make or answer a call and use audio playing functions (e.g. music) only if the phone:

• Is in a cradle fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure their view of the road; or
• Can be operated without touching any part of the phone, such as via Bluetooth or voice activation.

Using a mobile phone for driver’s aids (e.g. GPS) is only allowed while secured in a cradle.

There are allowances for mobile phone use in the car. These concessions include using a phone in a cradle with Bluetooth, handling a phone while passing it to a passenger, and using a phone while the vehicle is stationary in a drive-through service situation.

What does the NRMA think?

We strongly support the use of mobile phone detection cameras to target driver distraction and improve road safety.

Tougher penalties and using camera technology to catch people using their phones illegally while driving were key recommendations to the Government from the NRMA's Can't Talk - Driving report in 2017.

However, we feel the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras without warning signs installed represents a missed opportunity to educate motorists and drive home the safety message of not using your phone illegally.

For more information about the Mobile Phone Detection Camera Program please see the Government website.

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