‘Tis the season to lose your license. This festive season, drivers are looking at losing up to ten demerit points if they’re caught using their phone whilst behind the wheel. Police have also instituted Jake Peralta-esque techniques to catch the perps can’t get enough of their cellular device.
It has been reported that on Tuesday, police in the east Melbourne suburb of Nunawading were posing as car window washers as part of an undercover operation to bust drivers distracted by their mobile phones. A spokesperson for the Police has stated “Part of the operation involved covert observations of drivers in stationary vehicles.”
There is also new technology being trialled in NSW that will allow police to see into people’s cars to monitor mobile phone use.
Here are the full lists of fines you could cop if you’re caught using your phone behind the wheel. These fines double over the Christmas period. Don’t be daft, mute your group chat so that the temptation of posting a fire but illegal meme isn’t weighing on your mind.
Illegal Phone Use Penalties State By State
New South Wales
Five demerit points and a fine
Victoria: Four demerit points and a $476 fine
Queensland: Three demerit points and a $391 fine
South Australia: Three demerit points and a $334 fine
Western Australia: Three demerit points and a $400 fine
Tasmania: Three demerit points and a $300 fine
Australian Capital Territory: Four demerit points and a $548 fine
Northern Territory: Three demerit points and a $250 fine
