Using a mobile phone while driving in Northern Territory (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: The Northern Territory bans hand-held phone use while driving, even at traffic lights, and learner or provisional drivers may not use any phone. The fine is AUD 500 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 car500.00 AUD per offence [1]
Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car3 points [1]
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a carApart from an audio call or use as a driver's aid, a mobile phone may not be used while the vehicle is moving or stationary but not parked; 'use' includes entering anything other than by voice, or sending or looking at anything on the phone, and an 'audio phone call' does not include a text message, email or video message. [2]
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a carA learner or provisional driver using any mobile phone is an offence (AUD 500 and 3 demerit points). [1]
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The page bans use of a hand-held mobile phone while driving, even at traffic lights, and lists a separate offence for a learner or provisional driver using any mobile phone. It does not describe the conditions for hands-free use by fully licensed drivers.

Sources

  1. Northern Territory Government: Traffic offence fines and demerit points | NT.GOV.AU (Internet Archive snapshot of 15 December 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Northern Territory Legislation: TRAFFIC REGULATIONS, SCHEDULE 3 - AUSTRALIAN ROAD RULES 1999 (Reprint REPT009R1, in force) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Northern Territory

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Hire e-scooters only (Beam) · Minimum age: 18 (hire e-scooters)
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; up to 50 g may get an infringement notice · Growing at home: Banned; up to 2 plants may get a notice
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 60 km/h (many towns 50 km/h or less) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 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: 16 years 6 months (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Prohibited drug in body is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on 1 July (Territory Day) only · Minimum age to buy: 18+
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, for up to 3 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Transfer within 3 months of living in the NT
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or approval
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick, butterfly and sheath-concealed knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 16 · Licence: Class R (VM: moped only)
  • 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
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 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: 0.05% (low range) · 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.