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

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Western Australia bans holding or touching a phone while driving. The fine is AUD 500 and 3 demerit points; creating, sending or looking at a message is AUD 1,000 and 4 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 carCreating, sending or looking at a text, email, social media, photo, video or similar is a serious offence (AUD 1,000, 4 demerit points). [1]
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a car⚠ Not yet verified
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a carSafety cameras that can detect illegal mobile phone use in vehicles are in use. [1]

Notes

  • A voice call may be made or received only if the phone is secured in a mounting attached to the vehicle or is neither held nor touched. A phone may be used as a driver's aid only if mounted and not held or touched.
  • Creating, sending or looking at a text, email, social media, photo or video is a separate, more serious offence at AUD 1,000 and 4 demerit points.
  • Demerit points can vary during holiday periods and double demerit dates.
  • The page read does not state separate rules for novice drivers.

Sources

  1. Road Safety Commission (Western Australia): Mobile phones and distractions (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Western Australia

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 50 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Offence; 10 g or less may get an intervention notice · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 110 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Containers for Change · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (provisional licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Specified drug in system is an offence · THC threshold: Any cannabis detected
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules, 16+ · Minimum age: 16
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while a visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or permanent resident: transfer within 3 months
  • Home educationNature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without lawful excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • MopedsMinimum age to ride: From 15 years 6 months · Licence: Class R-N or other WA 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, on rent or hire
  • 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

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