Using a mobile phone while driving in Queensland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Queensland bans holding a phone or resting it on the body while driving. The penalty is AUD 1,295 and 4 demerit points, and learner and P1 drivers under 25 may not use hands-free.

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 car1,295.00 AUD per offence [1]
Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car4 points [1]
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a carRule 300 does not single out texting: a driver may not hold a mobile phone or rest it on any part of the body while the vehicle is moving or stationary but not parked, whether or not the phone is on or being operated. [2]
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a carLearner and P1 drivers under 25 must not use hands-free, wireless headsets or a phone's loudspeaker function, and their passengers may not use the loudspeaker function either. A phone in a pocket or pouch may not be touched, looked at or operated by voice. [1]
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a carNew cameras are rolling out across Queensland to detect illegal mobile phone use while driving and drivers and front seat passengers not wearing seatbelts. [1]

Notes

  • Open and P2 licence holders may touch a phone for hands-free use, for example in a cradle attached to the vehicle. Learner and P1 drivers under 25 must not use hands-free, wireless headsets or the loudspeaker function.
  • Fines and penalties in Queensland increased by 3.5% on 1 July 2026; the page gives AUD 1,295.
  • Double demerit points apply for a second or later mobile phone offence within one year of an earlier offence.
  • Rule 299 separately restricts a television receiver or visual display unit that is operating and visible to the driver, except a driver's aid that is not held in the hand, such as a phone used as a navigation aid.

Sources

  1. Queensland Government: Driving and mobile phones - qld.gov.au (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Queensland Legislation (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel): Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (current as at 31 August 2026) (consulted 15 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Queensland

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • 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 (110 km/h where signed)
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container refund scheme · 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): Zero tolerance · THC threshold: Any trace of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules plus age and licence · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while visiting · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or resident visa: Queensland 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: Some one-hand opening knives category M
  • MopedsLicence: Class RE or car licence
  • 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: A smoke alarm in each bedroom. For each storey with bedrooms: in the hallway that a bedroom door opens onto (or, if a bedroom has no door to a hallway, in the part of the storey between that bedroom and the rest of the dwelling). For a storey with no bedrooms: on the most likely path of travel to an exit. All alarms must be interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravans
  • 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.