Mobile phone road rules

Learner, P1 and P2 drivers and motorcyclists

Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving or riding. This includes when waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic. You must be parked out of the line of traffic to use your phone in any way.

These laws encourage learner and provisional drivers and riders to concentrate on developing their vehicle control and hazard-perception skills. Mobile phone use can distract novice drivers and riders from the driving task.

Learner and P1 drivers and riders penalised for illegally using a mobile phone (four demerit points) will exceed their demerit point threshold and face a three-month licence suspension. P2 drivers and riders will have three demerit points remaining if they are penalised for illegally using a mobile phone.

The Transport for NSW website has answers to frequently asked questions about the changes to mobile phone rules for learner, P1 and P2 drivers and riders.

Fully licensed drivers and motorcyclists, and all bicycle riders

While driving or riding you CAN use your mobile phone:
To make or answer a call	ONLY if the phone is either: In a cradle fixed to the vehicle and doesn't obscure your view of the road can be operated without touching any part of the phone, such as via Bluetooth or voice activation
To use the audio playing function (e.g. music)
As a driver's aid (e.g. navigation, Speed Adviser app)	ONLY if the phone is in a cradle fixed to the vehicle and doesn't obscure your view of the road

While driving or riding you CANNOT use your mobile phone for anything else, including:
Texting or audio texting	If you want to use your phone for any of these functions, your vehicle must be parked out of the line of traffic These functions are not permitted when your vehicle is stopped, including when waiting at traffic lights or stuck in traffic
Emailing
Using social media
Taking photos
Video messaging
Holding your phone in any way (in hand, on lap, between shoulder and ear). Drivers are only allowed to hold a phone to pass it to a passenger.