Using a mobile phone while driving in Tasmania (2026)
Last reviewed: 13 October 2026
In short: Tasmania bans mobile phone use while driving except for a mounted or untouched audio call or driver's aid, and learner and P1 drivers may not use a phone at all. The maximum court fine is 5 penalty units.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Yes [1] |
| Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Allowed 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 car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
| Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | Apart 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; 'audio phone call' does not include email, text message, video call or video message. [1] |
| Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car | A driver on a learner or P1 provisional car licence must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving or stationary but not parked. [1] |
| Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a car | ⚠ Not yet verified |
Notes
- A phone may be used for an audio call if mounted, or if it is not held and needs no pressing or manipulating. Learner and P1 drivers may not use a mobile phone at all while the vehicle is moving or stationary but not parked.
- Rule 300 gives a maximum court fine of 5 penalty units. The infringement amount in dollars was not found in the sources read.
- Demerit points for this offence were not found in the sources read.
Sources
- Tasmanian Government (Tasmanian Legislation Online): Road Rules 2019 (S.R. 2019, No. 61) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
More rules in Tasmania
- E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and local roads up to 50 km/h · 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 sealed, 80 km/h gravel
- Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, since 1 May 2025 · 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 illicit drug present is an offence · THC threshold: Any THC present
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: Yes, on Cracker Night (permit) · Minimum age to buy: 18 (permit holder)
- Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, visitors and temporary visa holders · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent residency: convert within 6 months
- Home educationLegal status of home education: Registrar approval needed · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: No separate rule
- MopedsLicence: Motor cycle licence (class R)
- 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 every hallway or corridor connected to bedrooms (or between the bedrooms and the rest of the home if there is no hallway). Multi-storey homes need an alarm on each level, including levels without bedrooms.
- 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% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.