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Demerit points increase for texting while driving

If you got caught in NSW for illegal phone use while driving, you will get more penalties from September 2018. Under new road safety measures, demerit points for illegal phone use while driving will increase from four to five.

Demerit Points

Source: NSW Government

In NSW, only Fully licensed drivers and riders can make a call while driving, if it is either in a cradle fixed to the vehicle or operated without touching any part of the phone, such as via Bluetooth or voice activation. With any conditions, drivers are not allowed to use their mobiles to text, email, use social media, take photos or video call while driving.

It's illegal for Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders to use a mobile phone while driving or riding. This includes when waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.

Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey said,"higher demerit points for illegal phone use will help change the way drivers act on our roads."

“We know from a recent RMS survey that 74 per cent of the community supports a crackdown to illegal phone use behind the wheel. We all see it and the community has had enough.” 

“We have already introduced legislation to enable camera-based technology so it can be used to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, a world first,” Mrs Pavey said.


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2 min read
Published 19 July 2018 4:03pm
Updated 19 July 2018 5:08pm
By Hasan Tariq
Presented by Hasan Tariq
Source: NSW Government

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