Using a mobile phone while driving in Australian Capital Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: The ACT bans holding a mobile device while driving; learner and provisional drivers may not use a device for calls or by voice. The fine is AUD 615 and 3 demerit points.

RuleWhat applies
Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a carYes [1]
Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a carAllowed with limits [1]
Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car615.00 AUD per offence [2]
Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car3 points [2]
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a carA driver with a full licence may not enter anything into a device other than by voice, or send or look at anything on it, while driving. [1]
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a carA learner or provisional licence holder may use a device only as a mounted driver's aid or to play audio without holding it, and without pressing, manipulating or using voice; operating any function by voice or looking at anything on the device counts as use. [1]
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • A driver without a learner or provisional licence may make or receive an audio call if the device is mounted, or is not held and needs no pressing. Learner and provisional drivers may not use a device for calls, and may not operate any function of a device by voice.
  • Using a device for messaging, social networking, a mobile application or the internet is a separate item at AUD 745 and 4 demerit points. The maximum court penalty is 20 penalty units.

Sources

  1. ACT Legislation Register: Road Transport (Road Rules) Regulation 2017 (SL2017-43), republication 17, effective 3 November 2025 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. ACT Legislation Register: Road Transport (Offences) Regulation 2005 (SL2005-11), republication 105, effective 1 August 2026 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Australian Capital Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, mainly footpaths and shared paths
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Legal for adults 18+ within the limit · Growing at home: Yes, 2 plants per adult, 4 per home
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container deposit scheme · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 15 years 9 months, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Same rights as bicycles
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence or permit needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent visa: ACT licence after 3 months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsLicence: Motorcycle licence (class R)
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, compulsory · Minimum alarms and where: On or near the ceiling in bedrooms or in the corridor that leads to bedrooms, installed as per the manufacturer's instructions and the National Construction Code. A multi-level home needs smoke alarms on each level, interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravansTrailer mass allowed with a car licence in any combination: Up to 9,000 kg GVM
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.