Harsh new mobile phone road rules, camera detection to become permanent

Queensland motorists caught with their phones on their laps or in their hands face big penalties in a major crackdown.

Queensland drivers face $1000 fines and four demerit points if they’re caught on camera using their phones behind the wheel or not wearing a seatbelt.

Roadside cameras will be permanently rolled out across the state’s roads later this month as part of the Queensland government’s $1.69bn road safety plan.

The cameras were trialled last year and from July 26 will be a permanent fixture in order to catch drivers using their devices while behind the wheel.

New rules are also being rolled out, with drivers banned from resting a mobile on any part of their body, including their laps.

Motorists will not be allowed to hold mobile phones in their hands regardless of whether the device is on.

Drivers will also be forbidden from passing their phone to a passenger.

A trial of seatbelt and mobile phone detection cameras will be permanently rolled out on Queensland roads this month. Picture: Supplied

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said there would be a three-month grace period for drivers, but from November 1 any driver caught by the cameras will cop a $1033 fine and four demerit points.

“So far in 2021, 136 people have died on Queensland roads – 12 more than at the same time last year,” Mr Bailey said on Thursday.

“These deaths … have a shattering impact on communities across the state.”

Motorists face a $1000 fine and four demerit points if they’re caught using their phones behind the wheel. Picture: Supplied

Mobile phones can continue to be used when a vehicle is stationary to pay for goods and services, including when at a drive-through.

Open and P2 drivers can continue to use their phones while hands-free to accept phone calls or access navigation services.

A three-month grace period will be rolled out. Picture: Supplied

The cameras will also be able to detect drivers and their front-seat passengers not wearing seatbelts.

RACQ spokesperson Renee Smith said refusal to wear a seatbelt was a risk “that can’t afford to be taken”, and it was often the difference between life and death.

“Given the shocking number of people killed on our roads so far this year, we hope these new measures will help deter unsafe driving and save lives,” she said.

Originally published as Harsh new mobile phone road rules, camera detection to become permanent