Safe driving involves obeying speed limits, avoiding distractions, wearing seatbelts, and adjusting to conditions. Key practices include maintaining a safe following distance, scanning for hazards, and ensuring you are fit to drive. Key, actionable tips to reduce crash risks include planning routes, avoiding alcohol/drugs, and using proper child seats
NSW Rural Fire Service
Key Safe Driving Practices
Speed Management: Adhere to speed limits and reduce speed in adverse weather (rain, fog).
Avoid Distractions: Keep eyes on the road and hands on the wheel; avoid mobile phones, eating, or adjusting entertainment systems while moving.
Follow Distance: Maintain a safe gap between you and the car in front to allow for sudden braking.
Check Surroundings: Actively scan for hazards and potential risks.
Use Safety Gear: Always wear seatbelts and ensure children are in appropriate restraints.
Plan Ahead: Check weather conditions and allow for extra travel time.
NSW Government
Defensive Driving Techniques
Handling Skids: If the car skids, ease off the gas pedal and steer in the direction of the skid, do not slam on the brakes.
Weather Adjustments: Slow down on wet or slippery roads, and increase following distance.
Vehicle Maintenance: Regularly check brakes, tires, and lights.
NSW Rural Fire Service
For learners in NSW, taking a Safe Driver Course can improve hazard awareness and provide logbook credit.
The NSW Safer Drivers Course teaches learner drivers under 25 to develop safe driving skills and prepare for driving solo.
This course can help you understand speed management, gap selection, hazard awareness, safe following distances, and how to keep driving safely when you get distracted.
This includes:
a 3-hour group discussion with other learners
a 2-hour coaching session in a vehicle with another learner.
These two sessions can be attended on different days, or on the same day. Check with your course provider.
To attend a course you need to:
hold a valid NSW learner licence
be under 25
have completed at least 50 log book hours of on-road driving (excluding any 3 for 1 bonus hours), and
have included night driving in some of those hours.
It is mandatory for all licence holders in NSW over 75 years of age to undertake a medical examination on an annual basis in order to maintain a driver licence. An on-road driving assessment is required every two years from 85 years of age to maintain an unrestricted licence.
Heavy vehicle (MC) licence holders need an annual Driving Test from age 70.
Studies show that many older drivers compensate for their age-related decline in driving competency by self-restricting and limiting their driving, for example, by driving in local areas or avoiding complex, difficult situations.
If an older driver no longer requires a full driver licence, they can opt for a modified licence without the need for a practical driving assessment. A modified licenceallows theholder to drive in their local area where they are familiar with the traffic conditions. The limits on the modified licence are negotiated with the local service centre manager, based on the driver’s essential weekly journeys.
A modified licence cannot be issued if a general practitioner has requested the licence holder to undertake an aged driving test.
I just want to thank you for your patience and understanding when it came to my driving lessons. You were so informative while on the road. Other than my family you were very supportive and helpful all the way from lessons to me sitting the driving test. I can’t thank you enough any person lucky to click on your sight to book lessons will be rewarded with not only good prices but a happy easy going driving instructor.
Almost 500 customers will earn their keys to the road each week with Service NSW’s new dedicated driver testing centre opening in Sydney’s west.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government said the facility at 75-105 Mamre Road, St Marys would boost the number of driving tests completed each week after impacts caused by COVID-19 restrictions.
“The centre will offer more than 450 driving tests each week for customers as well as more than 1000 computer-based examinations including driver knowledge tests,” Mr Dominello said.
“Whether customers are trying to get their L Plates or aiming to graduate to their P Plates, the centre will get more customers out on the road sooner.”
“The NSW Government is investing $3.47 million into the St Marys Driver Testing Centre, a new Mobile Testing Centre and the creation of jobs to help tackle the testing backlog.”
“More than 38 staff including 20 driver testers will work across the St Marys Driver Testing Centre and Mobile Testing Centre to conduct testing and assist customers with their transactions.”
Mr Dominello said the new Mobile Testing Centre, a 12.5-metre-long bus, is due to be operational from late October 2022 and would support customers across Sydney.
“The vehicle which has the capacity to include up to 10 computers for knowledge testing and facilitate driver testing would be deployed to various locations across Sydney where there is a demand for testing,” he said.
“The Mobile Testing Centre would have the capacity to complete up to 350 computer-based examinations and up to 320 driving tests each week for customers.”
“Service NSW appreciates customers’ patience and understanding while the team has worked to get driver testing back on track.”
“COVID-19 safety measures remain in place for driving tests to ensure the safety of staff and customers. Both driver tests and customers are required to wear masks for the duration of the examination.”
The St Marys Driver Testing Centre will be open from 8.00am-4.30pm Monday to Friday.
Yes, ONLY if the phone is either:Secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle; orCan be operated without touching any part of the phone, (e.g. Bluetooth controls)
No.
Use music or audio functions
Use as a driver’s aid (e.g. navigation, Speed Advisor app or dispatch system)
Yes, ONLY if the phone is secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle
No.
Access a Digital Driver Licence
Yes, ONLY after a police officer has asked you to do so.
Use wallet functions (make a transaction, show a coupon or voucher, or to access an area)
Yes, ONLY if the vehicle is:Stationary; andOff the road (such as in a carpark, driveway or drive thru)
Illegal mobile phone use
All other functions including video calling, texting, emailing, social media, web browsing and photography are prohibited unless parked.
It is also illegal to hold and use a mobile phone at any time while driving or riding.
Using a Digital Driver Licence
It’s illegal to access your Digital Driver Licence when driving, including when stationary, unless you’re asked to do so by a police officer. Penalties apply.
Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders
Restricted licences holders including learner, P1 and P2 drivers and riders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding. This includes use of hands-free and Bluetooth functions.
Illegal mobile phone use will result in heavy penalties including demerit points and fines, which could mean the loss of your licence.
Tip: Avoid temptation and keep your phone in your bag or glovebox.
Unrestricted licence holders and all bicycle riders
Full licence holders and bicycle riders are permitted to use particular mobile phone functions. These include making or answering a phone call, or playing audio, if the phone:
Is secured in a cradle; or
Can be used without touching any part of the phone (e.g. Bluetooth).
This also includes using a mobile phone as a driver’s aid (e.g. navigation) if the phone is secured in a cradle.
Tip: Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider the traffic conditions before using your phone.
Mobile phone detection cameras
The mobile phone detection camera program enforcing illegal mobile phone use by drivers commenced on 1 December 2019.
The program includes fixed and transportable cameras that operate at locations across the network. Coupled with ongoing enforcement by NSW Police, these cameras target illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime.
Warning letters relating to camera-detected offences will be issued for the first three months. Following this period, the penalty for offending drivers is five demerit points and a $344 fine ($457 in a school zone). The penalty increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.
1. Can use my phone to make a call, use GPS or listen to music?
No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.
This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.
2. Can I use my phone to make a call, use GPS or listen to music if it’s in a cradle?
No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.
This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.
3. Can I use my mobile phone if it is on loudspeaker and in my lap?
No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.
This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.
4. Can I use my phone to text?
No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding, including any texting functions.
5. What do I need to do to use my phone?
If you would like to use your phone for any function – including calling, texting, emailing, playing audio or using social media – your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.
6. Do I need to be parked with my ignition off to use my phone?
To use a mobile phone, you must be parked out of the line of traffic. However, the ignition does not need to be turned off.
7. If I have a Digital Driver Licence and I’m pulled over by NSW Police, when is it OK to pick up my phone to show my licence?
You can only use your mobile phone to access your Digital Driver Licence after being requested to do so by a police officer. It’s illegal to touch your phone before an authorised officer instructs you to do so. For more information on the Digital Driver Licence, please visit the Service NSW website.
8. Am I able to access my mobile phone wallet functions if my vehicle is stationary and off the road?
Yes, if you are required to use a mobile phone wallet function to make a transaction, show a coupon or access an area, then you may do so providing your vehicle is stationary and off the road, such as in a carpark, driveway or drive-thru.
9. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone?
Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver’s view of the road.
10. Will the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras affect me?
Yes, restricted licences holders are not permitted to use their phone while driving or riding. Mobile phone detection cameras enforce illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime across the NSW road network.
11. Is there a warning period for the start of the mobile phone detection camera program?
Yes, warning letters will be issued for the first three months (from 1 December, 2019), during which time drivers caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera will be issued with a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.
Fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who commit an offence after the three-month warning period concludes.
Please note NSW Police provide ongoing police enforcement of illegal mobile phone use.
12. How will I know if I’ve been caught using my phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera?
Warning letters will be issued for the first three months, during which time drivers caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera will be issued with a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.
Fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who commit an offence after the three month warning period has concluded.
13. What is the penalty for being caught for illegal phone use?
The fine for illegal mobile phone use is $344, or $457 if detected in a school zone. There is a five demerit point penalty for illegal mobile phone use, which increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.
Learner and provisional P1 licence holders will exceed their demerit point threshold and lose their licence if caught illegally using their mobile phone. All learner and provisional P1 and P2 licence holders will exceed their demerit point threshold and lose their licence if they are caught using a mobile phone during a double demerit period.
These penalties apply to both camera-detected offences and infringements issued by NSW Police.
14. Do double demerits apply for mobile phone offences detected by a mobile phone detection camera?
Yes, double demerits apply to mobile phone offences during double demerit periods, during which the penalty increases to 10 demerit points.
Unrestricted licence holders (drivers and motorcyclists) and bicycle riders
No. It’s illegal to hold and use your phone while stationary at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.
2. Can I touch my phone if it is in a cradle?
If your phone is secured in a cradle, you can only touch your phone:
To make or receive a phone call;
For audio playing functions; or
For using a driver’s aid (such as navigation).
Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider the traffic conditions before using your phone.
3. Can I dial a number if my mobile phone is in a cradle?
Yes. You can use a mobile phone to make or receive audio phone calls if it is secured in a mounting (i.e. cradle) fixed to the vehicle.
Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Please consider if the call is urgent and the traffic conditions before using your phone.
4. What do I need to do to use other functions of my mobile phone (e.g. texting, emailing, social media)?
If you would like to use your phone for any of these functions, your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.
5. Do I need to be parked with my ignition off to use my phone?
To use a mobile phone, you must be parked out of the line of traffic. However, the ignition does not need to be turned off.
6. If I have a Digital Driver Licence and I’m pulled over by NSW Police, when is it OK to pick up my phone to show my licence?
You can only handle and use your mobile phone to access your Digital Driver Licence after being requested to do so by a police officer. It’s illegal to touch your phone before a police officer instructs you to do so. For more information on the Digital Driver Licence, please visit the Service NSW website.
7. Am I able to access my mobile phone wallet functions if my vehicle is stationary and off the road?
Yes, if you are required to use a mobile phone wallet function to make a transaction, show a coupon or access an area, then you may do so providing your vehicle is stationary and off the road, such as in a carpark, driveway or drive thru.
8. Can I have my mobile phone in my pocket if I’m using Bluetooth to make or receive a call?
Yes. You can use a mobile phone to make or receive calls if it is in your pocket and it does not require you to touch the phone in any way.
9. I’m a ride share driver. Can I use the dispatch system app on my phone if it’s mounted in a cradle?
Yes. You can use a mobile phone as a dispatch system as long as it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road.
10. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone?
Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver’s view of the road.
11. Where can I attach a cradle to my vehicle?
The cradle (also known as a mounting) must be fixed to the vehicle in a manner intended by the manufacturer. It must not obscure your view of the road (in front and to each side). Find more information in our Windscreen mounted phones and GPS fact sheet (PDF, 56Kb) .
12. Will the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras affect me?
Yes, unrestricted licence holders are not permitted to hold and use their phone while driving or riding.
Mobile phone detection cameras enforce illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime across the NSW road network.
13. Is there a warning period for the start of the mobile phone detection camera program?
Yes, warning letters will be issued for the first three months (from 1 December, 2019), during which time drivers caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera will be issued with a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.
Fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who commit an offence after the three month warning period has concluded.
Please note NSW Police provide ongoing police enforcement of illegal mobile phone use.
14. What is the penalty for being caught for illegal mobile phone use?
The fine for illegal mobile phone use is $344, or $457 if detected in a school zone. There is a five demerit point penalty for illegal mobile phone use, which increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.
These fines and demerit point penalties apply to both camera-detected offences and infringements issued by NSW Police.
15. Do double demerits apply for mobile phone offences detected by a mobile phone detection camera?
Yes, double demerits apply to mobile phone offences during double demerit periods, during which the penalty increases to 10 demerit points.
‘STOP’ signs and ‘STOP’ lines (continuous line) are used at intersections to
control traffic.
When you come to a STOP sign you must stop completely before reaching the
STOP line, and as close as possible to the line. Where there is no STOP line, stop
before reaching, and as close as possible, to the intersection.
A STOP sign or a STOP line means you must give way to all vehicles travelling in,
entering or approaching the intersection, whether vehicles are turning left or right,
or going straight ahead. You must give way to any pedestrians crossing the road
into which you are turning.
Giving way at a STOP sign means the driver must remain stationary until it is safe
for the driver to proceed.
Fees differ across licence types. They depend on the class of licence, the amount of time you renew your licence for, and whether you are a learner or provisional licence holder.
The fees for heavy vehicle licences and rider licences are the same as driver licences.
If you have a good driving record and are an unrestricted licence holder, you may be eligible for a 50% discount under the Fair go for safe drivers scheme. For more information about concessions and discounts for licences, see Conditions and discounts.
Item
Amount
Learner licence
$26
Replacement learner licence
$23
Provisional P1 licence
$60
Provisional P2 licence
$94
Unrestricted licence (gold)
1 year: $60 3 years: $140 5 years: $190 10 years: $352Note: 10-year licences only available for unrestricted licence classes C (car) and/or R (rider), holders age 21 to 44.
National Heavy Vehicle Driver licence (magenta)
1 year: $60 3 years: $140 5 years: $190
Replacement licence (P1, P2 or unrestricted)
$28
Test fees
The table below shows the fee amounts for driver and rider tests.
Item
Amount
Driver Knowledge Test
$47 each attempt
Special Mobility Vehicle Knowledge Test
$47 each attempt
Driving Test
$59 (inc GST) each attempt
Riding Test (non-declared areas)
$59 (inc GST) each attempt
Hazard Perception Test
$47 each attempt
NSW Photo Card fees
Fee amounts for Photo Cards depend on whether you hold a NSW Drivers Licence and when you apply for one.
Customer type
Issue
Renewal
Replacement
Eligible pensioner, senior or carer, whether or not holding a driver licence
$0
$0
$0
No NSW driver licence
5 years: $5610 years: $99
5 years: $5610 years: $99
$14
Applying for Photo Card at the same time as applying for NSW driver licence
5 years: $510 years: $5
5 years: $510 years: $5
$14
Holder of a NSW driver licence applying for a Photo Card at another time
5 years: $1410 years: $14
5 years: $1410 years: $14
$14
Handbook and log book fees
All handbooks are available for free download. If you would like a hard copy, you’ll need to pay $13 at a service centre.
The Road User Handbook is also available in Arabic, Chinese, Croatian, Greek, Korean, Serbian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese. See Driver licencing publications.
Learner driver log book
When you get your Learner licence, you are issued with a physical copy. If you lose your log book, you need to get a new one.
The replacement fee for a Learner Driver Log Book is $18.
Replacement exemption letter (lost, stolen, destroyed)
$13
Disability parking permits
The table below shows the fees for Disability Parking permits.
Item
New/Renew
Replacement
Individual
$45 (Eligible concession $0)
$14 (Eligible concession $7)
Temporary
$14 (Eligible concession $0)
$14 (Eligible concession $7)
Organisation
$45 (Concession not available)
$14 (Eligible concession $7)
Note: There is no cost for an individual or temporary permit replacement for reasons such as the card being faulty, or if personal details have changed. Check with Service NSWlaunch if you’re unsure.
Requests for information fees
You might need to ask Transport for information about your driving record, licence or an upcoming court case. There are different fees according to the type of information request.
General information from Transport for NSW records
For general information about Transport’s records (for example, about your licence, vehicles or vessels) the fee is $23.
Evidentiary certificates
An Evidentiary Certificate of Information, also known as a certified record, is a document that is certified by Transport. These records are typically used for official matters, including court cases. The fee for this type of information is $32.
Yes, ONLY if the phone is either:Secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle; orCan be operated without touching any part of the phone, (e.g. Bluetooth controls)
No.
Use music or audio functions
No.
Use as a driver’s aid (e.g. navigation, Speed Adviser app or dispatch system)
Yes, ONLY if the phone is secured in a cradle fixed to the vehicle
No.
Access a Digital Driver Licence
Yes, ONLY after a police officer has asked you to do so.
Use wallet functions (make a transaction, show a coupon or voucher, or to access an area)
Yes, ONLY if the vehicle is:Stationary; andOff the road (such as in a carpark, driveway or drive thru)
Illegal mobile phone use
All other functions including video calling, texting, emailing, social media, web browsing and photography are prohibited unless parked.
It is also illegal to hold and use a mobile phone at any time while driving or riding.
Using a Digital Driver Licence
It’s illegal to access your Digital Driver Licence when driving, including when stationary, unless you’re asked to do so by a police officer. Penalties apply.
Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders
Restricted licences holders including learner, P1 and P2 drivers and riders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding. This includes use of hands-free and Bluetooth functions.
Illegal mobile phone use will result in heavy penalties including demerit points and fines, which could mean the loss of your licence.
Tip: Avoid temptation and keep your phone in your bag or glovebox.
Unrestricted licence holders and all bicycle riders
Full licence holders and bicycle riders are permitted to use particular mobile phone functions. These include making or answering a phone call, or playing audio, if the phone:
Is secured in a cradle; or
Can be used without touching any part of the phone (e.g. Bluetooth).
This also includes using a mobile phone as a driver’s aid (e.g. navigation) if the phone is secured in a cradle.
Tip: Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider the traffic conditions before using your phone.
Mobile phone detection cameras
The mobile phone detection camera program includes fixed and transportable cameras that operate at locations across the network. Coupled with ongoing enforcement by NSW Police, these cameras target illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime.
From 1 March 2020 mobile phone detection cameras will be enforcing illegal use of mobile phones while driving or riding. The penalty for offending drivers is five demerit points and a $352 fine ($469 in a school zone). The penalty increases to 10 demerit points during double-demerit periods.
NSW Police continue to enforce illegal mobile phone use and issue infringements as part of regular operations.
1. Can use my phone to make a call, use GPS or listen to music?
No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.
This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.
2. Can I use my phone to make a call, use GPS or listen to music if it’s in a cradle?
No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.
This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.
3. Can I use my mobile phone if it is on loudspeaker and in my lap?
No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding.
This applies regardless of whether the phone in use is being handled, resting on any part of the body, secured in a cradle or is being used hands-free (i.e. via Bluetooth). None of these uses are permitted.
4. Can I use my phone to text?
No. Restricted licence holders are not permitted to use their phone at all while driving or riding, including any texting functions.
5. What do I need to do to use my phone?
If you would like to use your phone for any function – including calling, texting, emailing, playing audio or using social media – your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.
6. Do I need to be parked with my ignition off to use my phone?
To use a mobile phone, you must be parked out of the line of traffic. However, the ignition does not need to be turned off.
7. If I have a Digital Driver Licence and I’m pulled over by NSW Police, when is it OK to pick up my phone to show my licence?
You can only use your mobile phone to access your Digital Driver Licence after being requested to do so by a police officer. It’s illegal to touch your phone before an authorised officer instructs you to do so. For more information on the Digital Driver Licence, please visit the Service NSW website.
8. Am I able to access my mobile phone wallet functions if my vehicle is stationary and off the road?
Yes, if you are required to use a mobile phone wallet function to make a transaction, show a coupon or access an area, then you may do so providing your vehicle is stationary and off the road, such as in a carpark, driveway or drive-thru.
9. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone?
Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver’s view of the road.
10. Will the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras affect me?
Yes, restricted licences holders are not permitted to use their phone while driving or riding. Mobile phone detection cameras enforce illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime across the NSW road network.
11. Was there a warning period for the start of the mobile phone detection camera program?
Warning letters were issued for the first three months (from 1 December, 2019), during which time drivers caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera were issued with a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.
From 1 March 2020 fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who are caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera.
Please note NSW Police provide ongoing police enforcement of illegal mobile phone use.
12. How will I know if I’ve been caught using my phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera?
Fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who are caught using their mobile phone illgally by a mobile phone detection camera.
13. What is the penalty for being caught for illegal phone use?
The fine for illegal mobile phone use is $352, or $469 if detected in a school zone. There is a five demerit point penalty for illegal mobile phone use, which increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.
Learner and provisional P1 licence holders will exceed their demerit point threshold and lose their licence if caught illegally using their mobile phone. All learner and provisional P1 and P2 licence holders will exceed their demerit point threshold and lose their licence if they are caught using a mobile phone during a double demerit period.
These penalties apply to both camera-detected offences and infringements issued by NSW Police.
14. Do double demerits apply for mobile phone offences detected by a mobile phone detection camera?
Yes, double demerits apply to mobile phone offences during double demerit periods, during which the penalty increases to 10 demerit points.
Unrestricted licence holders (drivers and motorcyclists) and bicycle riders
No. It’s illegal to hold and use your phone while stationary at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.
2. Can I touch my phone if it is in a cradle?
If your phone is secured in a cradle, you can only touch your phone:
To make or receive a phone call;
For audio playing functions; or
For using a driver’s aid (such as navigation).
Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Consider the traffic conditions before using your phone.
3. Can I dial a number if my mobile phone is in a cradle?
Yes. You can use a mobile phone to make or receive audio phone calls if it is secured in a mounting (i.e. cradle) fixed to the vehicle.
Using a mobile phone legally can still be distracting. Please consider if the call is urgent and the traffic conditions before using your phone.
4. What do I need to do to use other functions of my mobile phone (e.g. texting, emailing, social media)?
If you would like to use your phone for any of these functions, your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic.
5. Do I need to be parked with my ignition off to use my phone?
To use a mobile phone, you must be parked out of the line of traffic. However, the ignition does not need to be turned off.
6. If I have a Digital Driver Licence and I’m pulled over by NSW Police, when is it OK to pick up my phone to show my licence?
You can only handle and use your mobile phone to access your Digital Driver Licence after being requested to do so by a police officer. It’s illegal to touch your phone before a police officer instructs you to do so. For more information on the Digital Driver Licence, please visit the Service NSW website.
7. Am I able to access my mobile phone wallet functions if my vehicle is stationary and off the road?
Yes, if you are required to use a mobile phone wallet function to make a transaction, show a coupon or access an area, then you may do so providing your vehicle is stationary and off the road, such as in a carpark, driveway or drive thru.
8. Can I have my mobile phone in my pocket if I’m using Bluetooth to make or receive a call?
Yes. You can use a mobile phone to make or receive calls if it is in your pocket and it does not require you to touch the phone in any way.
9. I’m a ride share driver. Can I use the dispatch system app on my phone if it’s mounted in a cradle?
Yes. You can use a mobile phone as a dispatch system as long as it is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road.
10. Can I use a GPS device that is not a phone?
Yes. A GPS device that is not a mobile phone is permitted for all drivers, as long as the device is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and does not obscure the driver’s view of the road.
11. Where can I attach a cradle to my vehicle?
The cradle (also known as a mounting) must be fixed to the vehicle in a manner intended by the manufacturer. It must not obscure your view of the road (in front and to each side). Find more information in our Windscreen mounted phones and GPS fact sheet (PDF, 56Kb).
12. Will the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras affect me?
Yes, unrestricted licence holders are not permitted to hold and use their phone while driving or riding.
Mobile phone detection cameras enforce illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime across the NSW road network.
13. Was there a warning period for the start of the mobile phone detection camera program?
Warning letters were issued for the first three months (from 1 December, 2019), during which time drivers caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera were issued with a warning letter to encourage them to change their behaviour.
From 1 March 2020 fines and demerit point penalties will be issued to all drivers who are caught using their phone illegally by a mobile phone detection camera.
Please note NSW Police provide ongoing police enforcement of illegal mobile phone use.
14. What is the penalty for being caught for illegal mobile phone use?
The fine for illegal mobile phone use is $352, or $469 if detected in a school zone. There is a five demerit point penalty for illegal mobile phone use, which increases to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.
These fines and demerit point penalties apply to both camera-detected offences and infringements issued by NSW Police.
15. Do double demerits apply for mobile phone offences detected by a mobile phone detection camera?
Yes, double demerits apply to mobile phone offences during double demerit periods, during which the penalty increases to 10 demerit points.
NSW Rural Fire Service 
NSW Government 