Mobile phone detection cameras operating in NSW

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

During that time, the network of fixed mobile phone detection cameras has been broadened to enforce non-seatbelt compliance both jurisdictions.

At the time of writing, there are 47 mobile phone detection cameras operating around NSW.

There are currently five mobile phone cameras deployed in the ACT. Two are fixed, while the other three portable cameras can be placed at 927 different locations around the territory.

From November 2025, the ACT’s mobile phone detection cameras will also be used to enforce non-seatbelt compliance – aligning with NSW.

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 $423, or $562 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 $674 and four demerit points if using a phone for messaging, social networking or accessing apps/internet. The penalty is reduced to $548 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 will likewise be able to detect non-seatbelt compliance from 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, we feel 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.