South Australian drivers have racked up more than $30 million in fines in just six months, thanks to the state’s new mobile phone detection cameras. Installed at five strategic locations across Adelaide, these high-tech cameras have captured nearly 47,000 offences since their launch.

SA Driver Fined $27,000 for Phone Use: Are Aussies Ignoring the Law?
Over 28,000 SA drivers were caught using phones in three months, including one with $27,000 in fines. Are stricter penalties changing behavior?
CarExploreDylan Anderson

The new technology was introduced as part of a broader road safety initiative aimed at curbing distracted driving. According to Police Minister Stephen Mullighan, the numbers reflect a serious and ongoing issue.

"Looking at your mobile phone while you're driving rather than watching the road – you might as well be driving blindfolded," said Mullighan.

The Worst Locations for Offences

The data shows the North-South Motorway at Regency Park recorded the most offences, with nearly 13,000 drivers fined. South Road at Torrensville followed closely, while other hotspots included the Southern Expressway and Port Road. The lowest number of offences was logged on Port Wakefield Road at Gepps Cross.

Despite the high number of infringements, police say there are signs of improvement. Superintendent Shane Johnson of SA Police noted that the rate of offences is slowing.

"It indicates that drivers are becoming aware of the dangers of distractions and that is a good thing," he said.
How a QLD Man Lost His License Instantly
Queensland police suspended a Tesla driver’s licence on the spot after he was caught speeding at 92km/h in a 40km/h school zone, calling it “inexcusable.”
CarExploreDylan Anderson

Repeat Offenders and Enforcement

Authorities are particularly concerned about repeat offenders. Over 600 drivers have been caught four or more times using their mobile phones behind the wheel. One individual has received a staggering 41 fines and is now under active investigation.

What’s Next: More Cameras on the Way

The success of the program means it’s set to expand. Two more mobile phone detection cameras are expected to be operational by the end of 2025, though their specific locations have not yet been announced.

South Australia joins a growing number of Australian states using AI-enabled cameras to reduce distracted driving, a leading cause of road fatalities and serious injury. As these systems continue to expand, authorities hope the fear of being caught will push more drivers to put their phones away.

Shocking Road Rage Attack on Uber Driver in Sydney
Shocking road rage attack on an Uber driver in Sydney’s Barangaroo caught on camera. See the wild incident and Reddit’s reactions.
CarExploreDylan Anderson
Tesla Vandal Caught on Camera at QLD Shopping Centre
Tesla’s Sentry Mode captures deliberate vandalism at QLD shopping centre, raising concerns about vehicle security in public spaces.
CarExploreDylan Anderson