Aussie Drivers Warned of $556 Road Penalty for Mobile Phone Use
South Australian drivers face a $556 fine plus three demerit points for mobile phone use while driving, effective September 19, 2024. This follows a three-month grace period and is part of a broader initiative to combat distracted driving and reduce road fatalities.
South Australian motorists are being reminded of a significant change in traffic enforcement that's set to take effect within days. After a three-month grace period, drivers caught using their mobile phones behind the wheel will face steep fines and demerit points.
Key Points:
- Effective Date: Thursday, September 19, 2024
- Penalty: $556 fine plus three demerit points
- Additional Cost: $102 Victims of Crime Levy (for drivers 18 and older)
- Total Cost: $658 for adult drivers
Background:
- South Australia introduced mobile phone detection cameras in January as part of a $16 million initiative to reduce road fatalities linked to driver distractions.
- During the initial three-month testing phase, around 7 million drivers were monitored, with 71,044 found using mobile devices while driving.
- An additional 31,000 drivers were caught in subsequent months.
Why It Matters:
Traffic Services Branch Superintendent Darren Fielke emphasized the severity of the issue, stating, "The cameras recorded at least one distracted driver using a mobile phone more often than every two minutes — this illustrates the scale of the distraction problem we face on our roads."
Camera Locations:
Mobile phone detection cameras are installed at high-risk metropolitan sites, including:
- Southern Expressway, Darlington
- South Road, Torrensville
- North South Motorway, Regency Park
- Port Road, Hindmarsh
- Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross
Two additional locations within the Adelaide metropolitan area are being investigated for installation in 2025.
Privacy Concerns:
The South Australian government assures that privacy is protected in the same way as with speed and red-light cameras, adhering to Information Privacy Principles and the South Australian Public Sector Code of Ethics.
Final Comments:
This new penalty serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of using mobile phones while driving. South Australian drivers are urged to adjust their behavior immediately to avoid hefty fines, loss of demerit points, and most importantly, to ensure the safety of all road users.
