Alarm as learner drivers and P-platers rack up fines for using phones while in the car

So far this financial year, more than $1.8 million in fines have been issued to L and P-platers caught using their phones behind the wheel in NSW – averaging about 100 fines every week.

The state’s learner and provisional drivers are more distracted than ever, clocking more mobile phone offences this financial year than ever before.

So far this financial year, more than $1.8 million in fines have been issued to L and P-platers caught using their phones behind the wheel – averaging about 100 fines every week.

The total number of fines issued between July last year and May this year sat at 4582, up from 3999 the financial year prior and well above the 2864 issued in the 2019-2020 financial year – according to Revenue NSW data.

With L and P-platers banned from using phones for any purpose – including navigation – NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander David Driver described the increase as “very disappointing”, particularly given these drivers are new to the road.

“The inherent danger with anyone using a mobile phone is being distracted from what is a very complex task which is learning to drive,” he said.

A man uses his phone while driving in Surry Hills. More than $1.8 million in fines have been issued this financial year to L and P-platers caught using their phones behind the wheel. Picture: John Grainger

“When they’re new at a skill they need to pay extra attention, and a mobile phone takes away their attention from the task of driving, which creates a danger.”

Mr Driver said young drivers in particular don’t see the dangers behind even a quick glance or tap at their phone.

On May 1, a 19-year-old P1 rider was stopped after he was allegedly detected travelling a whopping 110km/h in a 80km/h zone, there were no P plates on the bike, and the rider had a mobile phone mounted to the handle bars for navigation. Picture: Supplied

“I think the biggest tragedy with young people is they don’t make the connection between the danger of looking at their phones and the consequences that then flow,” he said.

“They’ve got a legal and moral obligation to comply with the law and get to their destination without putting themselves, their passengers or any other road user, and that includes pedestrians, at risk.

“And if they touch their phones, that is exactly what they are doing.”

According to the data, this financial year, fines peaked over the December and April holiday periods, with the two months recording the highest number of fines.

On June 8, a L-plater was allegedly caught speeding and watching a Youtube video on his phone while his instructing driver slept. Picture: Supplied

Founder of the Drive to Survive education program, Ian Luff, said there was an “arrogance problem” when it comes to young, inexperienced drivers.

“The fact is there’s incredible arrogance, They think ‘other people crash, not me, I’m immune from it’,” he said.

“Young people don’t believe they are at risk, but when you combine inexperience with distraction, it’s a recipe for disaster.”

Mr Luff said he believed addiction to technology and social media has contributed to the increase in offences.

“A lot of young people cannot leave their phones alone,” he said.

“The sad reality is when people are driving, and they look down at their mobile phones, that split second of inattention is all it takes is to be then involved in a potential problem on the roads.”

A recent spate of demerits and fines issued by NSW Police shows teen drivers have been caught using their phones while speeding well above the limit, and even watching videos on the state’s highways.

On May 1, a 19-year-old P1 rider was stopped on Homebush Bay Drive, Rhodes, after he was allegedly detected travelling a whopping 110km/h in the signposted speed limit of 80km/h.

Police allege there were no P-plates on the bike and the rider had a mobile phone mounted to the handle bars using Waze navigation. Due to double demerits, he was issued a whopping 20 points for not displaying P-plates, using a mobile phone when not permitted and speeding more than 20km above the limit.

On June 8, a L-plater was allegedly caught speeding and watching a YouTube video on his phone in the Southern Highlands while his instructing driver slept.

The teen boy was hit with 22 demerit points and $2000 in fines for using his phone, speeding 30km over the speed limit and not displaying L-plates.

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Originally published as Alarm as learner drivers and P-platers rack up fines for using phones while in the car