Aussie drivers warned as police seek to crack down on new road infringement in 2025
A quiet mid-year change in South Australia made it more likely drivers can be fined for using their phone. Now police want a similar change for smart watches.
Authorities in states and territories across the country have ramped up roadside camera technology in 2024 with drivers being put on notice that police will be targeting new transgressions behind the wheel in the coming year.
Police in South Australia revealed the latest statistics when it comes to the state's new mobile phone detection cameras. The technology was rolled out in June with the commencement of a trial period before drivers were officially fined from September.
On Monday, police revealed the number of people caught using their phone behind the wheel has dropped off significantly since the trial period.
"The initial three-month trial saw a total of over 68,000 detections," SA Police's officer in charge of traffic services, Superintendent Shane Johnson said at a media conference. "Now, after three months of operations, that number has declined to just over 28,000."
Related: Major road rule changes coming into effect in 2025 across Australia
However there are still shocking cases being caught on the state's roads, including one motorist who police allege was caught 41 times, consequently racking up an astonishing $27,000 in fines. The driver has had their licence suspended with police continuing to make further enquiries. Meanwhile there were 16 people issued with 10 or more fines and 165 people caught using their phone while driving four times in the period to close out 2024.
Yahoo recently reported on a quiet mid-year change in the law which made it easier for drivers to be nabbed for using their mobile phone behind the wheel, by allowing the infringement to include when someone has the device simply resting in their lap. It meant drivers with two hands on the wheel can still cop a hefty penalty.
"The Road Rules Amendment Regulations have broadened the definition of 'use' to circumstances where a mobile phone is being held, including in the driver’s lap," a spokesperson for South Australia Police told Yahoo in September.
"Drivers should be aware of recent changes to Australian Road Rules regarding mobile phone use, which came into effect on 6 June 2024," SA Police added.
SA Police want to target drivers using smart watches in 2025
With the proliferation of smart devices that can distract drivers, road authorities in South Australia also warned this week they hope to be targeting the use of smart watches in 2025. However a legislative change will again be required to enable police to enforce the new rule in the state.
"Smart watches can be a form of distraction and legislation is being looked at for 2025," Superintendent Johnson said.
"Our message is if it's distracting you while driving you shouldn't be looking at your smart watch."
Drivers in other states already risk fines if caught using their smart watch behind the wheel. In Victoria, for instance, motorists can be hit with a near $500 fine for the infringement, while in NSW it's more than $360.
In Queensland, there is no specific law relating to smart watch use, and hidden road cameras don't pick them up but drivers could be hit with a more than $500 fine for driving without due care.
WA to roll out 'advanced AI' roadside cameras from January 26
Over in Western Australia, authorities are touting new technology to hit the state in a few weeks, with officials keen to put drivers on notice ahead of a major rollout of hi-tech AI speed cameras in the state's bid to crack down on mobile phone and seatbelt offences.
WA's Road Safety Minister David Michael on Monday said the new "cutting edge cameras" will be able to detect the offences when they are rolled out on January 26 next year – calling them the "most advanced" systems in the country.
The new cameras use AI software to identify high-risk driver behaviours including illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt offences, spot speed and point-to-point (average) speed.
Caution notices will be issued to people caught on camera in the first few months – before an enforcement period commences in May next year.
with NCA Newswire
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