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New mobile phone detection cameras are being installed at five locations across Adelaide, with the eyes in the sky set to be switched on from mid-2024.
Drivers who use their phones behind the wheel may be nabbed by the new cameras at five key locations:
The cameras have prompted questions from drivers as to exactly what you’re allowed to do with your mobile phone when behind the wheel.
RAA Senior Manager Safety and Infrastructure Charles Mountain said mobile phones were a major cause of distraction for drivers.
“Distraction is one of the Fatal 5 causes of road trauma, and is generally the leading cause of fatal and serious injury crashes on our roads. So if you’re driving you should put your phone away and out of view,” Mr Mountain said.
“But Rule 299 and Rule 300 of the Australian Road Rules do allow fully licenced drivers to use their phones in some very limited circumstances.
“If the phone is in a dedicated phone mount or cradle, it is legal to touch the device or use Bluetooth in order to make or receive a phone call – but we recommend pulling over and parking your vehicle before doing so, as talking on the phone can take your focus away from the task of driving.”
Mr Mountain said it was also legal for drivers could also use the GPS function on their device, provided it is housed in a dedicated mount.
“If you set up your GPS navigation function on the phone before you set off, you can have it in the mount or cradle so you can follow the navigation as you’re driving.
“However, using the phone to text, Facetime, watch videos or do anything else is illegal.
“It’s also important to highlight that L and P1 drivers aren’t allowed to use their phones in any circumstances.
“Doing so not only risks a hefty fine and three demerit points, but increases your risk of being involved in a crash, which is why if you’re driving, your phone should be stored away out of view to avoid temptation.”
The penalty for using a mobile phone behind the wheel in SA Is a $540 fine + $99 VOC and three demerit points.
AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULES – REG 300
300—Use of mobile phones
(1) The driver of a vehicle must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving, or is stationary but not parked, unless—
(a) the phone is being used to make or receive an audio phone call and the body of the phone—
(i) is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle while being so used; or
(ii) is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle and is not being held by the driver, and the use of the phone does not require the driver, at any time while using it, to press any thing on the body of the phone or to otherwise manipulate any part of the body of the phone; or
(ab) the phone is being used as a driver’s aid and—
(i) the body of the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle while being so used; and
(ii) the use of the phone does not require the driver, at any time while using it, to press any thing on the body of the phone or otherwise to manipulate any part of the body of the phone; or
(b) the vehicle is an emergency vehicle or a police vehicle; or
(c) the driver is exempt from this rule under another law of this jurisdiction.