Using a mobile phone while driving in New South Wales (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: New South Wales bans holding a phone while driving, and learner and provisional drivers may not use a phone at all. The fine is AUD 434 (AUD 577 in a school zone) and 5 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 car434.00 AUD per offence [1]
Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car5 points [1]
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a carTexting, emailing and social media functions may be used only when the vehicle is parked out of the line of traffic. [1]
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a carLearner and provisional (P1 and P2) licence holders may not use a phone at all while driving or riding, whether handled, resting on the body, in a cradle or hands-free. [1]
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a carMobile phone detection cameras (fixed and transportable) operate across NSW, anywhere and at any time; police also issue infringements. [1]

Notes

  • A fully licensed driver may touch a phone secured in a cradle only to make or receive a call, for audio, or as a driver's aid. Learner, P1 and P2 drivers may not use a phone at all, including hands-free or in a cradle.
  • The fine is AUD 577 if detected in a school zone. The same amounts apply to camera-detected offences and police infringements.
  • The penalty rises to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods.

Sources

  1. Transport for NSW: Mobile phones | Transport for NSW (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in New South Wales

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Banned (private e-scooters) · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Return and Earn · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any trace is an offence · THC threshold: Any active THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: None at present (12-16 planned)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence needed)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: NSW licence within 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: Auto-opening knives prohibited
  • 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, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: At least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • 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: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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