Australia has tightened its road safety enforcement with a hefty $853 fine for drivers caught using their mobile phones while stopped at a red light. Authorities across states are warning motorists that distraction penalties are no longer limited to moving vehicles but now apply equally when stationary at intersections.
$853 Fine Targets Distracted Driving at Intersections
Drivers may think picking up the phone at a red light is harmless, but road authorities disagree. In most Australian states and territories, being stationary at red lights is still considered “driving,” meaning the rules against mobile phone use apply. Motorists caught touching, holding, or scrolling on their phones will face fines of up to $853 and the loss of five demerit points, depending on the jurisdiction.
Transport for NSW has reinforced the message that safety does not pause at traffic lights. Even the briefest glance at a screen can create delayed reactions once lights turn green, putting pedestrians, cyclists, and other drivers at risk. Queensland and Victoria have also rolled out mobile phone detection cameras, making it almost impossible for offenders to avoid penalties.
Detection Cameras Changing Enforcement
Over the past few years, states have increasingly relied on high-resolution cameras to catch distracted drivers. These cameras, capable of tracking vehicles day and night, have been programmed to capture drivers holding a mobile device, whether moving or stationary. Authorities say this technology has proven effective in reducing risky behaviour, with thousands of infringements issued since its introduction.
In Queensland, recent police reports highlighted that more than 38,000 drivers were fined for illegal phone use in just six months. Victoria recorded similar figures, reinforcing that mobile phone use is one of the leading contributors to distracted driving crashes. By directly targeting drivers stopped at intersections, enforcement agencies argue they are reducing the “false sense of safety” that encourages people to check phones at traffic lights.
Why Red Light Phone Use is Dangerous
Road safety experts point out that when the light turns green, even a half-second delay in attention can lead to serious collisions. Vehicles at the back of queues may surge forward unpredictably, while pedestrians crossing legally on the green walk signal are put at risk if drivers accelerate suddenly after looking up from a phone.
Research by the Australian Automobile Association shows that distracted driving now ranks alongside speeding and drink driving as one of the top factors in road crashes. With urban areas seeing increasing traffic density, the danger at intersections is particularly high. Authorities say banning mobile use while stopped ensures drivers remain fully prepared to react the moment conditions change.
Penalties Vary Across States
While the $853 fine is among the toughest, penalties for mobile phone offences vary slightly by state. In New South Wales, drivers face a $387 fine and five demerit points, increasing during double demerit periods. Queensland imposes $1,161 fines and four demerit points, one of the strictest regimes nationwide. Victoria’s fine stands at $577 and four points, while South Australia’s is $540 with three points.
The consistent message, however, is clear: fines and demerits are designed to send a strong deterrent signal. Repeat offenders risk not only higher penalties but also licence suspension if they accumulate too many demerit points. Younger drivers on provisional licences face even tighter phone restrictions, including bans on hands-free devices.
A Changing Attitude Towards Road Safety
Authorities admit harsher penalties are part of a national shift towards reducing road trauma, particularly as mobile phone use continues to rise. The crackdown is complemented by awareness campaigns reminding Australians that the safest place for a phone is out of reach while driving.
Police say community attitudes are gradually changing. Many drivers now report peers or passengers reminding them to put phones away at red lights, an indication the message is taking hold. However, with technology deeply embedded in daily life, officials stress that strict enforcement remains essential. The $853 fine may sting, but its true purpose is to save lives on Australian roads.
