Updated Queensland regulations prevent motorists from holding or resting mobile phones while behind the wheel

“If you have a phone resting on any part of your body, whether it’s in use or not – you are committing an offence.”

Man driving car while talking on mobile phone. Generic, Thinkstock

Central Queensland motorists who use their phone or don’t wear a seatbelt while driving have been warned after the Queensland Government unveiled new, state of the art cameras.

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the fixed and portable cameras would operate on urban and regional roads from Monday.

“Our message has been direct and simple: just put your phone away,“ Mr Bailey said.

“In 2020, 23 people lost their lives and 1475 were hospitalised because of distracted driving, 43 people died and 187 were hospitalised because they were not wearing a seatbelt.

“These deaths and injuries could have been prevented.”

Mr Bailey said drivers doing the wrong thing needed to change their dangerous behaviour before penalties were issued.

“Until 31 October, those caught by the cameras will not be fined,” he said.

“Instead, they will receive a warning letter advising them that they’ve been caught.

“From 1 November all bets are off.

“Drivers caught on camera will receive a $1033 fine and four demerit points for mobile phone offences and a $413 fine and three demerit points for each vehicle occupant detected not wearing a seatbelt.”

Mr Bailey said the cameras were an important tool to make Queensland roads safer for all.

“Already in 2021, more than 150 people have lost their lives on Queensland’s roads,” he said.

“If you are driving a vehicle, leave your phone alone.

“If you don’t, your selfish actions endanger not only your own safety, but others you share the road with.

“Seatbelts became compulsory almost 50 years ago because belting up saves lives, so we will look at options to increase penalties for not wearing a seatbelt so it aligns with distracted driving.

“Every dollar collected through these fines is invested back into making Queensland’s roads safer.”

RACQ spokeswoman Renee Smith said the updated regulations meant it was illegal to have a phone in your hand or anywhere on your body while driving.

“If you have a phone resting on any part of your body, whether it’s in use or not – you are committing an offence,” Ms Smith said.

“New fixed and mobile detection cameras will come online today across the State and will be able to see into vehicles and detect whether any mobile phone offence has been committed.

“Those caught by the new cameras will be given a warning as part of a three-month grace period before penalties are enforced from 1 November.

“The fine for illegally using a mobile phone is $1,033 and four demerit points, double demerits if caught twice in 12 months, so the message is very clear, do the right thing and put your phone away.

“More important than the fine and the risk of losing your licence, is the fact that distraction is deadly. Given the shocking number of lives we’ve lost on Queensland roads this year alone it’s important drivers realise the danger of using their device while driving.”

Ms Smith said there were a few exceptions to the new rules which drivers should be aware of.

“Motorists can use their phone when the vehicle is stationary to pay for goods and services, for example at a drive through, to enter an area like a car park, or present digital documentation, like a driver‘s licence or border pass to police,” she said.

“Open and P2 licence holders can also continue to use their phones in a cradle attached to the vehicle, including to accept calls, or in the case of taxi and rideshare drivers, to accept or finish a trip, but it’s illegal to pass a phone to a passenger.

“If you’re using your phone this way then set it up before you drive and then leave it alone. If not then store it away somewhere where you can’t see the screen, like in your pocket.”

Further information about the new cameras, fines, road rules, and exemptions can be found HERE.