The little-known mobile phone driving rules that could land you huge fines
While all motorists are aware that holding your phone while driving is illegal, some motorists are unaware of the other road rules surrounding mobile phones.
Motorists in New South Wales will lose five demerit points if their mobile phone is found to be touching their leg while they are on the road.
In February, NSW Transport released a video telling drivers of all the things they can and cannot do with their phones while driving.
The video lets drivers know that they are only allowed to use their phone if it is “secured in a commercially manufactured and designed mounting that is fixed to the vehicle and doesn't obscure your view of the road”.
Authorities also reminded motorists that it is illegal to “rest your mobile phone on your leg, be between your shoulder and ear, or any other part of your body”.
This means that a phone cannot rest in a driver’s lap or under their leg.
From September 2018, drivers can lose five demerit points for breaking the rule.
Drivers will also be fined if they hold their phone before pulling over and turning the engine off.
“Drivers can only use a hand-held mobile phone if their vehicle is parked in an authorised parking spot, with the engine turned off,” the video said.
Drivers on their Learner, P1 or P2 license are to “not use any function of a mobile phone while driving or when the ignition is on”.
Did you know about these rules? Let us know in the comments in the below.