South Australia mobile phone detection cameras now on and fines handed out – UPDATE

Today at 08:30 PM

UPDATE, 19 September 2024: The grace period for Adelaide's mobile phone detection cameras is now over, with drivers set to be fined $658 if caught using their phones behind the wheel from today.

In South Australia road rules state that drivers must be legally parked before using their mobile phone, or if they need to use it for navigation or calls it must be fixed in a cradle in a position which doesn’t obstruct their ability to see the road.

This is except for learner or P1 drivers, who are not allowed to use their phone for any reason.

“It's a timely reminder to think about other forms of distraction in the car – such as adjusting the radio or air-con, using headphones or kids in the back seat – which can take our focus off the task of driving," said the Royal Automobile Association’s (RAA) Senior Manager for Safety and Infrastructure, Charles Mountain.

Our original story continues unchanged below.

17 June 2024: Adelaide's new mobile phone detection cameras will be switched on this week, with a grace period offered for the first three months.

The cameras will start recording from Wednesday, with drivers given a warning rather than a fine until the grace period ends.

More than 31,000 drivers have been caught using their phone behind the wheel by South Australia Police in the past five years – costing motorists more than $13 million in fines.

If fully-licensed drivers want to use their phone for navigation, it must be in a dedicated holder or cradle which doesn't obstruct their view, according to the Royal Automobile Association (RAA).

"These new mobile phone detection cameras being operational should serve as a timely reminder for drivers not to ever be tempted to touch their phone when they're driving," the RAA's Senior Manager for Road Safety, Charles Mountain, said.

"You're four times more likely to be involved in a crash while using a mobile phone – so it's best to put your device away completely until you reach your destination.

"If you want to use GPS or navigation on your phone, the Australian Road Rules (Reg 300) makes it clear that your phone needs to be secured in a cradle that is commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose and is affixed to the vehicle – nor should it obstruct your visibility."

23 April 2024: Final testing on new mobile phone detection cameras has begun in Adelaide, before they are switched on later this year.

Police are preparing to crack down on distracted drivers in South Australia, with the cameras now being tested before they become operational in June – with hefty fines and demerit points due to be issued from September.

“Although no warnings or fines will be issued during the time of testing, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of putting your phone down while you’re driving,” South Australia Police posted on social media.

Our original story continues unchanged below.

9 January 2024: Overhead cameras that can detect when a driver is illegally using a mobile phone will be placed at five locations across Adelaide.

After a successful trial of the technology in 2023, the South Australian Government has announced it will permanently install five mobile phone detection cameras as part of a $15.9 million program.

The cameras will be located on the Southern Expressway in Darlington, South Road in Torrensville, North South Motorway in Regency Park, Port Road in Hindmarsh, and Port Wakefield Road in Gepps Cross.

Motorists will be granted a three-month grace period – from June to September 2024 – in which those caught by the cameras using their mobile phones will only be issued warnings.

MORE: Police traffic infringement data reveals worrying road-safety trends

After the three months – which the government is calling an ‘education period’ – drivers caught using their phones will be issued a fine of $540 along with a $99 victims of crime levy, and will receive three demerit points on their licence.

The South Australian Government claims all funds raised from the fines will be collected by the Community Road Safety Fund, which was created to improve road safety through initiatives, road upgrades, education programs, and advertising.

In mid-2023, the Victorian Government introduced three portable seatbelt and mobile phone detection cameras – with six to be introduced eventually – at a cost of $33.7 million. The Australian Capital Territory also introduced three portable cameras in late 2023.

In September 2023, the Queensland Government admitted a software error had falsely issued double demerit points to 1842 motorists caught by mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras over a period of 22 months – leading to 121 drivers having their licences incorrectly suspended.

MORE: South Australia announces special licence for ultra high-powered vehicles from 2024

The latest announcement from the South Australian Government did not mention whether the mobile phone cameras are also capable of detecting and fining those who were not wearing their seatbelts correctly.

It’s expected the new cameras will begin operating from June 2024, with drivers to be actively fined if caught from October 2024.

The post South Australia mobile phone detection cameras now on and fines handed out – UPDATE appeared first on Drive.