SA drivers ‘not getting the message’ as one person busted 41 times using phone behind the wheel, fined $27k

More than 28,000 South Aussies have been stung so far on their mobile phones while driving - with one driver racking up an incredible bill.

One South Australian driver has had his license disqualified after cameras busted him using his mobile phone behind the wheel more than 40 times, costing him more than $27,000 in fines.

SA Police have revealed just how many drivers are ignoring the law and using their phones while driving – and despite a drop in how many people are getting caught, some are clearly still not getting the message.

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In the past three months, mobile phone detection cameras across five locations around the metro area – Regency Park, Torrensville, Darlington, Hindmarsh and Gepps Cross – have busted 28,120 drivers illegally on their phones.

Since September, texting and driving has cost South Australian road users over $15.5m in fines, with one left without a license and more than $27,000 in expiations.

SA Police have busted thousands of drivers using their phones since the instalment of mobile phone detection cameras. Pictures: SA Police.

Superintendent Shane Johnson, Officer in Charge, Traffic Services Branch, on Monday said the education phase had clearly worked after the amount of fines handed out more than halved from over 68,000 issued in the first three months.

“The data indicates that while most drivers do the right thing, we still have too many willing to take a risk by being distracted by their phones,” he said.

“They need to wake up to the consequences.”

Superintendent Johnson said that the camera busting drivers the most was on the North South Motorway, closely followed by the camera on South Rd in Torrensville.

“We do have plans for an additional two cameras,” he said.

While legislation is currently in place banning illegal phone use, he said further clarification around the use of smart watches behind the wheel was needed.

“Smart watches can be a form of distraction, and the legislation is being looked at for 2025.

Mobile phone detection camera at Port Rd, Hindmarsh Picture: RoyVPhotography

“Our message is that if it is distracting you whilst driving, then you shouldn’t be looking at it.”

Across the five locations, 7657 fines were issues on the North South Motorway, 6839 in Torrensville, 5847 on the Southern Expressway in Darlington, 5325 on Port Rd in Hindmarsh and 2452 on Pt Wakefield Rd in Gepps Cross.

SA Police said distraction has played a part in more than 30 of the current 89 lives lost on SA roads this year, and more than 75 serious injuries.

“Disappointingly, more than 200 drivers were issued with multiple expiation notices, including one driver who was issued with 41 and two drivers who were issued with 22 and 23 expiation notices,” Superintendent Johnson said.

“We are hoping that the message is clear now – illegal mobile phone use like handling a phone that is not in a dock, whether that be having your phone resting on your leg, arm of driver seat, will result in serious penalties.”

Originally published as SA drivers ‘not getting the message’ as one person busted 41 times using phone behind the wheel, fined $27k