NEW SOUTH WALES – NEW
Motorists caught using a mobile phone when driving would get a $337 fine and a loss of five demerit points.
AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY
The ACT has some of the toughest laws in the country. Drivers could be hit with a $528 fine and a loss of four demerit points, if caught texting or using social media while behind the wheel.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA
The penalty for using a mobile phone when driving in WA is $400 and three demerit points.
QUEENSLAND
Motorists can be fined $378 and be deducted three demerit points if they are caught holding a phone for any reason when driving. This includes being stopped at traffic lights or in congested traffic.
Double demerit points apply for second or subsequent mobile phone offences committed within a year after an offence.
VICTORIA
All drivers face tough penalties for illegal use of a mobile phone – 4 demerit points are deducted and they will be fined $484.
TASMANIA
The only time it is legal to touch a mobile phone when driving is if it is mounted within the vehicle and can be used without touching it.
Drivers face a fine of $300 and a loss of 3 demerit points.
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Drivers are not allowed to use a hand-held phone, even when stopped at traffic lights.
Motorists could face a $250 fine and a loss of three demerit points.
SOUTH AUSTRALIA
The fine for using a mobile phone while driving is $327, in addition to a $60 government levy, which totals in $387. Three demerit points would also be deducted.
Drivers in South Australia are allowed to touch their phones if they are making or receiving a call on a decide mounted to the vehicle.