Using a mobile phone while driving in South Australia (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: South Australia bans hand-held phone use while driving, and learner and P1 drivers may use no phone function at all. The offence carries 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 car⚠ Not yet verified
Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car3 points [2]
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a carIt is an offence to create, send or look at a text, video message or email on a mobile phone while driving, even if the phone is in a mounting; making or receiving a video call is also an offence. [1]
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a carLearner's permit and P1 licence holders may not use any mobile phone function while driving, including hands-free mode, Bluetooth, loudspeaker, GPS and text messaging. [1]
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a carMobile phone detection cameras operate at high-risk metropolitan sites in Adelaide; the vehicle owner receives an expiation notice and three demerit points. [3]

Notes

  • An audio call needing a touch must use a phone in a commercially made mounting; via Bluetooth, headset or earphones the phone need not be touched. Learner and P1 drivers may not use any phone function, including hands-free, loudspeaker, GPS and texting. The page is an Internet Archive snapshot of 23 November 2025.
  • The offences table read (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 March 2026) gives an expiation fee of AUD 573 (effective 1 July 2025). Fees are indexed each 1 July and the current page could not be read directly (HTTP 403), so no current amount is given.
  • From an Internet Archive snapshot of 3 March 2026 of the My Licence offences table.

Sources

  1. Government of South Australia (My Licence): My Licence - Mobile Phones While Driving (Internet Archive snapshot of 23 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Government of South Australia (My Licence): My Licence - Road rules - Offences and Penalties (Internet Archive snapshot of 3 March 2026) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Government of South Australia (THINK! Road Safety): Frequently Asked Questions - THINK! Road Safety (Internet Archive snapshot of 23 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in South Australia

  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; usually an expiation notice (fine) · Growing at home: Banned; small numbers expiable
  • 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, since 1977 · 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): Prescribed drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC detected
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (general use only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes for short-term visitors · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: SA licence within 90 days
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Approval (exemption) needed · Nature of the parental duty: School attendance
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence under s 21E (details not read)
  • MopedsLicence: Any SA 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
  • 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%

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