With over 14,000 Queenslanders fined last year (2018) for using their mobile phone while driving, the Queensland Government has is set to introduce new fines of up to $1,000 for those caught using their phones whilst operating a motor vehicle. This unprecedented (and welcomed) move will see the current $391 more than doubled! A representative of the State Government has said about “50,000 fines had been issued over the past three years to drivers caught on their phones.”
The laws don’t just make it unlawful to use your phone to talk to someone or send a text message, you can be fined for maps and music. Don’t be fooled by using your phone at a set of lights either or whilst the car is idle. Basically if you touch your phone whilst operating a motor vehicle, you’re breaking the law.
But that’s not all… for provisional drivers, the restrictions around mobile phone use are even tougher. Learner and P1 (red plate) license holders cannot use loudspeaker functions, hands-free kits or wireless handsets at all. Even passengers in the car are prohibited from putting their phone on loudspeaker, due to fears it could distract the driver. These restrictions do not apply to P2 (green plate) provisional drivers.
You can only use a hand held phone in a car if you are legally parked. According to the RACQ “Parking is defined as making a vehicle stop and stay — it doesn’t specify whether the engine is running or not.”
The temptation for drivers to reach for their mobile phones while behind the wheel can sometimes prove overwhelming so we’ve found two links to help you reduce the risk.
For Apple users
Use Do Not Disturb on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch
For Android users
Limit interruptions with Do Not Disturb on Android
