Mobile phone detection cameras operating in NSW

Camera-detected infringements for illegal mobile phone use dropped to 6751 in October 2026 – the smallest number of penalty notices issued since the technology was introduced.

Revenue NSW’s penalty notice dashboard shows that figure is less than a third of infringements recorded in March 2023 (19,718) and even lower than August 2021 (7778) when very few people were driving due to COVID restrictions.

Interestingly, however, total revenue from fines has seen a large spike due to companies failing to nominate a driver for the infringement and paying five times the individual penalty.

Companies are required by law to nominate the driver of a company vehicle at the time of a camera detected demerit offence.

Failure to do so has seen corporations paying more than $2100 per offence rather than the standard individual fine of $434.

Mobile phone detection cameras (fixed and transportable) have been in operation in NSW since March 2020, and ACT since November 2023.

In February 2026, the NSW government announced its 10 portable mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras had become bi-directional and could check cars travelling in both directions for infringements.

Even with these more stringent and effective measures, infringement notices for illegal mobile phone use have continued to decline.

The NRMA recently called for changes to seatbelt laws, including allowing drivers to nominate adult passengers who fail to correctly wear a seatbelt..

What are mobile phone detection cameras?

Unlike speed and red-light cameras, mobile phone detection cameras use artificial intelligence (AI) to detect illegal phone use. They can operate in all weather conditions, including fog and heavy rain.

First of all, mobile phone detection technology uses multiple cameras and an infrared flash to capture images of passing vehicles.

The system then uses AI to automatically review images and detect offending drivers, and to exclude images of non-offending drivers from further action. Images that the automated system considers likely to contain a driver illegally using a mobile phone are then reviewed by authorised personnel. Both fixed and transportable versions of the cameras use the same camera technology.

When were mobile phone detection cameras introduced and what are the penalties?

The cameras themselves were erected in New South Wales as a trial on December 1, 2019, before becoming fully operational from March 1, 2020. The NSW Government has expanded the program to perform 135 million vehicle checks annually.

Drivers caught by a mobile phone detection camera in NSW will be fined $434, or $577 if detected in a school zone, and receive five demerit points (this will double to 10 demerit points during double demerit periods). Get the most up-to-date mobile phone detection camera fines here.

The detection cameras were introduced in the ACT in November 2023 with infringements, and demerit points have been issued from February 2024. 

The penalty for being caught illegally using your mobile phone while driving in the ACT is $745 and four demerit points if using a phone for messaging, social networking or accessing apps/internet. The penalty is reduced to $615 and three demerit points for holding a device for other reasons.

What can the cameras detect?

Across NSW and the ACT, authorities advise that mobile phone detection cameras are able to detect:

• A driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device in their hand at the ear or above the shoulder
• A driver of a vehicle holding a mobile device by resting the device between the ear and the driver's shoulder
• A driver holding a mobile device in their hand or hands, including where it is held at chest level or below
• A driver touching, but not holding, a mobile device with their hand where the device is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle
• A mobile device that is resting on any part of the body of a driver whether or not the device is also touched or held (except where the device is in a pocket of the driver's clothing or in a pouch that is worn by the driver)

In NSW, mobile phone detection cameras have also been used to enforce non-seatbelt compliance since July 1, 2024. The ACT’s network of cameras has been able to detect non-seatbelt compliance since November 2025.

When can a driver legally use a mobile phone in a car?

Fully licenced drivers in NSW and the ACT can use their mobile phone to make or answer a call and use audio playing functions (e.g. music) only if the phone:

• Is in a cradle fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure their view of the road
• Can be operated without touching any part of the phone, such as via Bluetooth or voice activation

Furthermore, using a mobile phone for driver’s aids (e.g. GPS) is only allowed while secured in a cradle. No other functions – including social media or web browsing – are permitted while driving.

For learner and provisional drivers, different rules apply. According to the NSW and ACT Government, they are not allowed to use a mobile phone in any capacity while driving. That means they cannot answer calls, use their phone’s GPS or maps function, or listen to music while driving or even stationary. You can only do so when legally parked and out of the line of traffic.

There are allowances for mobile phone use in the car. These concessions include using a phone in a cradle with Bluetooth, handling a phone while passing it to a passenger, and using a phone while the vehicle is stationary in a drive-through service situation.

What does the NRMA think?

The NRMA strongly supports the use of mobile phone detection cameras to target driver distraction and improve road safety.

Tougher penalties and using camera technology to catch people using their phones illegally while driving were key recommendations to Governments from the NRMA's Can't Talk - Driving report in 2017.

However, the organisation feels the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras without warning signs installed represents a missed opportunity to educate motorists and drive home the safety message of not using your phone illegally.

For more information about the Mobile Phone Detection Camera Program, please visit the NSW and ACT government websites.