From October 31, 2025, Australia will enforce some of the strongest distracted driving laws in its history. Motorists caught touching, holding, or even having a mobile phone resting on their body while driving will face fines up to $1,500 and multiple demerit points. The new legislation represents a nationwide push to curb one of the most persistent causes of accidents—driver distraction due to mobile phone use.
Authorities have confirmed a zero-tolerance approach powered by artificial intelligence cameras that will detect violations day and night. Safety experts believe the tougher penalties will significantly reduce fatalities caused by phone-related inattention, while the government promises extensive education campaigns to ensure public awareness.
Details of the New 2025 Phone Use Fines
The revised road safety regulations categorize phone-related driving offences into different risk levels based on the driver’s action and context.
- Fine Range: $1,200 to $1,500 for general phone use offences while driving.
- Repeat Offenders: Fines increase up to $2,000, with heavier demerit penalties and up to six months licence suspension.
- School Zone Offence: Using a phone in or near school zones during restricted hours results in fines of $1,800 or more, reflecting the increased risk to students and pedestrians.
Authorities emphasize that these penalties apply even if the vehicle is stationary at traffic lights or stuck in congestion—being “in control” of a vehicle still constitutes driving under the law.
What Counts as Illegal Phone Use
The 2025 rules define mobile phone use broadly to include any interaction or handling of the phone while driving, whether the device is switched on or off. This includes:
- Holding a phone in hand for any reason, including to check the time.
- Sending, reading, or typing messages.
- Reading notifications, emails, or maps while moving.
- Balancing or resting a phone against any part of the body—even in a pocket or lap.
- Unmounted GPS navigation, music selection, or social media scrolling.
Drivers may only use phones through true hands-free methods such as voice commands or fully mounted devices that do not require any physical touch while operating the car. Adjusting or touching the screen, even briefly, invalidates hands-free compliance.
Enforcement Through AI Cameras
Australia’s 2025 enforcement strategy introduces AI-powered mobile phone detection cameras, now installed in most high-traffic areas and major highways across multiple states. These devices use advanced imaging systems to capture drivers from different angles, automatically identifying when a motorist’s hand movement corresponds to potential phone use.
Photographic evidence, including timestamp and registration data, will be reviewed and verified before fines are issued. The system operates continuously, enabling detection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, rain or shine.
This artificial intelligence-driven system was tested successfully in several pilot programs, cutting mobile phone offences by nearly 40% within months of introduction. Its national rollout by October 2025 completes Australia’s technological transition to automated traffic rule enforcement.
Impact of the New Fines on Drivers
The Australian government highlights that these heightened fines serve as a strong deterrent against distracted driving, which remains a leading cause of crashes and fatalities nationwide. Upward of one in four serious accidents reportedly involve phone distraction as a contributing factor.
By increasing penalties and maintaining consistent surveillance, authorities expect to shift driver behaviour similar to the early 2000s seatbelt reform. For many safety advocates, this is the necessary step toward a “distraction-free driving culture,” aligning with other Western nations that have already imposed comparable standards.
However, some motorists have expressed frustration at the severity of the fines, arguing that the penalties could disproportionately impact low-income workers. Nonetheless, government agencies defend the move, stating that financial deterrents are the most effective and immediate means to prevent risk-taking.
Rules on Mounted and Hands-Free Devices
To use phones safely within the boundaries of the new law, drivers must ensure their devices are installed in secure, approved mounts and operated only through voice control. The device must:
- Be placed in a fixed cradle or dashboard mount at no more than 7 cm viewing height.
- Remain untouched while the vehicle is moving.
- Operate through Bluetooth, voice assistant, or steering wheel-integrated controls.
Touching the screen to adjust calls, maps, or playlists even when stopped at lights will still attract a penalty. Drivers are encouraged to configure settings before turning the engine on to remain compliant.
Penalties by Offence Type
| Offence Type | Fine (AUD) | Additional Penalty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General phone use while driving | $1,200–$1,500 | 4–6 demerit points | Applies even if car is stopped in traffic |
| Repeat offence within 12 months | Up to $2,000 | Up to 6-month licence suspension | Repeat offenders classified high risk |
| School zone phone use | $1,800+ | 6 demerit points | Applies during active school hours |
| Mounting misuse or touching mounted device | $1,200 | 4 points | Even brief touch counts as violation |
Awareness and Public Education Programs
Leading up to the implementation date, all states will roll out public education initiatives emphasizing the risks of distracted driving and the new fine system. Media campaigns across television, radio, and digital platforms will highlight real-life scenarios where phone distraction caused accidents, reinforcing the importance of full driver focus.
The “Eyes on the Road” campaign, operated by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau, will launch in October to coincide with enforcement commencement. The program targets young drivers, ride-share operators, and commercial fleets through workshops, signage, and digital reminders.
Broader Road Safety Outcomes
Officials project that the harsh fines and AI surveillance will prevent thousands of crashes annually. The deterrent effect mirrors previous safety reforms, such as drunk driving crackdowns and seatbelt enforcement. Within two years of those measures, Australia recorded over a 20% drop in fatalities linked to distracted driving behaviours.
The economic benefit of reduced accidents—fewer hospitalizations and insurance claims—will also offset administrative costs linked to deploying AI enforcement systems.
Final Perspective
Australia’s October 31, 2025, driving reforms signify the toughest stance yet on distracted driving. By setting maximum fines of $1,500, suspending repeat offenders, and leveraging AI-based detection, the government has made its message unmistakable: safety outweighs convenience.
Drivers are urged to adopt hands-free solutions, store phones out of reach, and remain vigilant. With technology handling evidence collection and laws unified across states, non-compliance leaves little room for error.