Is it legal for P-platers to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Integration of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto into modern cars has allowed drivers to access basic mobile phone functions while on the go without needing to touch their device.

The ability to make and receive calls and texts, control music, and request navigation instructions (among other things) via voice control or the vehicle’s touchscreen is seen widely as safe practice – but not all drivers are allowed to use the technology.

Depending on the state or territory, learner and P-plate licence holders in Australia have different legal restrictions and access to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. For P-platers and their parents alike, it’s best to know which laws apply where, and how to avoid potentially hefty penalties. 

What is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto?

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are what’s known as smartphone-mirroring software.

They allow access to a phone’s applications via a simplified version of the phone’s own operating system transmitted onto a car’s touchscreen, also tapping into the vehicle’s sound system and (if fitted) microphone to allow completely hands-free functionality via voice commands.

Increasingly, the software has been rolled out on new car models, with its inclusion as standard equipment more or less expected at this point.

Can P-platers legally use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Australia?

The legality of using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for both learner and P-plate licence holders varies across Australia, with states and territories approaching the subject – and penalties for violations – differently.

Can P-platers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in NSW?

In NSW, it’s not only illegal for learners and P-platers to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but also to have a phone connected to the car in any capacity while it is being driven or stopped (but not parked).

This rules out both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and even Bluetooth or a basic auxiliary cord connection.

Illegal use of a mobile phone while driving in NSW carries a $387 fine and five demerit points, climbing to a whopping $544 and 10 demerit points if the offence occurs in a school zone.

That’s enough for a learner, P1 and even P2 holder to lose their licence in a single offense.

Can P-platers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Victoria?

Victoria is a little more relaxed than NSW when it comes to P-platers using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but use is still restricted.

P-platers in Victoria are allowed to have their smartphone connected to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while driving, but are not allowed to touch the screen for the purpose of “reading or writing text messages, emails, message threads or viewing websites, watching movies, TV, video games or other moving images, viewing social media and photos and video or audio calls” according to VicRoads.

Scrolling or inputting information on the vehicle’s screen, and any use of a voice control function, is also banned while driving.

As with NSW, violation of these rules carries the same penalty as using a mobile phone while driving: $555 and four demerit points.

Can P-platers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Queensland?

Splitting the rules of NSW and Victoria, P-platers in Queensland have different permissions to use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto depending on whether they hold a P1 or P2 licence, and the driver’s age.

P1 licence holders under the age of 25 are banned from all mobile phone functions – including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – while driving, regardless of whether the device is accessed via a hands-free kit, wireless headset, Bluetooth, or its own speaker.

Good to note: even passenger use of a mobile phone’s loudspeaker is not allowed if the driver is a P1 holder under 25 years of age.

For P2 holders – and P1 holders over the age of 25 – the laws soften. Drivers are allowed limited hands-free functions of a mobile phone, including using a wireless headset, accepting calls, using navigation apps, skipping a song, or accepting/finishing a trip as a rideshare driver.

At this point, drivers are also allowed to interact with a phone in their pocket via its voice command function, as long as they don’t physically touch or look at it.

The offence carries heavy penalties in Queensland: $1161 and four demerit points.

Can P-platers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in South Australia?

As with Queensland, P1 and P2 licence holders are subject to different rules when it comes to using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in South Australia.

All mobile phone functions, regardless of whether they are hands-free or not, are banned for P1 licence holders.

P2 licence holders are allowed to access functionality provided by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, conditional on the phone itself never being looked at.

Penalties for improper use include a $556 fine, a $102 Victims of Crime levy, and three demerit points.

Can P-platers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the ACT?

The ACT’s laws around Apple CarPlay and Android Auto usage by P-platers vary from other states.

P-platers are allowed to pair a mobile phone to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto only for the purpose of listening to audio, and must never interact with the software via the touchscreen or voice control.

What this means is P-platers (and learners) can begin a playlist or podcast before setting off on a drive, but are not allowed to skip, change or pause songs while driving.

Making and receiving phone calls via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is also banned for P-platers in the ACT, with $514 and three-demerit-point penalties applying.

Can P-platers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Tasmania?

Tasmanian law does not make a distinction between using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and using a mobile phone hands-free.

A total mobile phone ban for learner and P1 licence holders does not include audio and GPS transmitted to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but disallows any interaction with it while driving.

Aligning with the ACT’s approach, P-platers can set up music and navigation to run on Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but must do so before driving and not interact with it at all during their trip.

A $390 fine and three demerit points will be issued to P-platers who fail to follow these rules.

Can P-platers use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in Western Australia and the Northern Territory?

Western Australia and the Northern Territory take opposite stances on the use of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto by P-platers.

In WA, use of the software is allowed by all classes of licence holder, but a $500 fine and three demerit points await drivers who make a call or physically interact with their phone while driving, bumping up to $1000 if they’re seen "creating, sending, or looking at a text, email, social media, photo, video or similar".

In the NT, a blanket ban on all mobile phone functions applies to P-platers, regardless of whether the phone is connected via Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, unless the vehicle is stationary and not on a marked road.

Abusing these rules in the NT will land drivers with a $500 fine and three demerit points.

Tips for P-platers using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

As detailed above, the laws surrounding P-platers using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can change considerably in the short distance it takes to cross from one state or territory into another.

The best way for P-platers to avoid hefty fines, demerit points and possible loss of licence is to simply know and practice the rules for using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in the state in which they’re driving.