Frequently asked questions

Mobile phone detection cameras are being introduced in South Australia.

Driver distraction and inattention is a significant road safety risk. On average inattention is identified as a contributing factor in around half of all lives lost and over a third of serious injuries on South Australian roads.

The use of mobile phones while driving creates distractions from the important task of driving. The ability to react to other vehicles, judge distances, maintain a constant speed and steady position in the lane are made much more difficult if you are using a mobile phone at the same time.

Research has found that mobile phone use while driving increases the risk of having a crash where someone is injured up to four-fold, while texting increases the crash risk even further.

What mobile devices will be considered as being unlawful?

At present the incidents that will be detected for expiation will only concern mobile phones used unlawfully whilst driving. Any additional future detection or enforcement via the mobile phone detection cameras related to distracted driver or wearing a seatbelt would be subjected to the same parliamentary process as that of mobile phone detection cameras.

When will mobile phone detection cameras be introduced in South Australia?

It is anticipated that the new cameras will be installed and operational from June 2024, with a three-month grace and education period in place from 19 June 2024 to 18 September 2024. Enforcement will commence from 19 September 2024.

During the grace period drivers will not be fined or lose demerit points, however vehicle owners will be issued with a warning letter where the driver of the vehicle has been detected using their mobile phone illegally. After the grace period ends, vehicle owners will receive an expiation notice, in a similar way to other camera-detected offences.

The community will be provided with further information as the project to introduce mobile phone detection cameras progresses.

Where will mobile phone detection cameras be installed in South Australia?

Mobile phone detection cameras will be installed at metropolitan sites taking into consideration road safety research and data including crashes resulting in injury, traffic volumes, traffic intelligence and the available infrastructure.

Following a successful trial of the technology in 2023, five priority locations across Adelaide have been identified for the installation of mobile phone detection cameras:

Southern Expressway, Darlington
South Road, Torrensville
North South Motorway, Regency Park
Port Road, Hindmarsh
Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross

Pending a final technical and environmental review of these locations, the enforcement cameras are expected to be installed on existing digital variable message signage and be operational by June 2024.

Two other locations are also being considered with cameras expected to be installed in early 2025.

The State Government’s selection of camera locations is based on research by the University of Adelaide’s Centre for Automotive Safety Research, considering crash trends and targeting busy road corridors across different areas of Adelaide.

How many drivers use a mobile phone while driving?

A 2021 Centre for Automotive Safety Research (CASR) at the University of South Australia study of driver behaviour in moving traffic at four South Australian locations, found that 2.5% of drivers observed were illegally using hand-held mobile phones.

Furthermore, an online survey of 401 South Australians found 38% reported using some function on their mobile phone while driving, even though most respondents strongly agreed that it was dangerous to do so.

Research by CASR found that the rise in smartphone ownership and use, along with their expanding capabilities and functionality, means that their use in vehicles, and resultant crashes, is likely to increase without new interventions. This has been a motivating factor for the introduction of mobile phone detection cameras.

Data provided by South Australia Police shows that over the past four years 30,354 expiation notices were issued for mobile phone offences, equating to around 7,600 offences per year.

How will mobile phone detection cameras reduce driver distraction?

The implementation of mobile phone detection cameras complements on-road police law enforcement activities. The penalties that apply (expiation fees and demerit points) for offences are important for motivating road users to abide by traffic laws and thereby avoid creating an unacceptable risk to themselves and others.

As well as the penalties that result from detections of illegal mobile phone use, the cameras will provide a visible deterrent and increase the perception that drivers will be caught if they illegally use a mobile phone, both of which are important for general deterrence.

Transport for NSW reports that since the start of its Mobile Phone Detection Camera Program on 1 March 2020, it has been successful in reducing illegal mobile phone use on NSW roads.

Independent modelling by Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC) predicts that the potential effectiveness of the automated mobile phone enforcement camera program in NSW will be an annual reduction of 19 serious injury collisions (refer to page 9 of Submission to Inquiry into the Increase in Victoria's Road Toll during 2019).

How do mobile phone detection cameras work?

Mobile phone detection cameras already operate in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. These cameras use video and still images to monitor vehicles travelling on the road beneath the camera and capture images through the vehicle windscreen.

A computer artificial intelligence is used to process the images and identify drivers who are using their mobile phone illegally. Video and still images that are positively identified by the artificial intelligence are then validated by a trained adjudication officer and the relevant information such as registration details are used to issue an expiation notice to the registered vehicle owner. The experience for the road user will be similar to the current speed and red-light camera detected offences.

What is the penalty for illegally using a mobile phone while driving?

The current fine applicable for using a mobile phone while driving in South Australia is $540, plus a $99 Victims of Crime Levy and three demerit points.

All funds raised from the fines will be returned to the Community Road Safety Fund, to deliver crucial road safety initiatives across the state, including safety improvements, education programs and public campaigns to reduce loss of life and serious injuries on South Australian roads.

How will my image be stored?

Privacy will be protected in the same way that images and registration information obtained by SAPOL from speed and red-light cameras is treated.

This is in accordance with the Information Privacy Principles detailed in the Short Guide to the Information Privacy Principles on the State Records website, and the South Australian Public Sector Code of Ethics.

How will the data collected be used to issue an expiation notice?

Once the cameras are operational, it is intended that when a driver is detected using a mobile phone unlawfully whilst driving, an expiation notice will be issued to the registered owner of the vehicle.

This person or organisation will be liable for the offence unless they nominate another person as being the driver of the vehicle at the time of the committing of the offence.

Can I view my image?

In line with existing processes for red-light and speeding offences, a photographic image can be viewed on the Expiations page on the SAPOL website. Options for dealing with the expiation notice are explained on the notice.

What are the laws about using your mobile phone while driving in South Australia?

You can learn more on the My Licence website:

Will mobile phone detection cameras be targeted across the community or disproportionately focus on some geographical or community segments?

Mobile phone use is not limited to a location or any particular demographic of society.

Cameras will initially be located across the Adelaide Metropolitan area.

What assurances are provided about the accuracy of the technology?

The Mobile Phone Detection Camera vendor will be contractually obliged to prove successful equipment accreditation at all times and if needed, provide such evidence in court.

Interstate experience has shown consistent levels of accuracy for the detection of mobile phone incidents. Furthermore, all images from detected incidents are reviewed by human intervention through an experienced adjudicator. An expiation notice will only be issued following this adjudication process.

How will money paid through fines be spent?

Mobile phone detection cameras are life-saving technology and money paid for fines issued for the illegal use of a mobile phone while driving will be invested into the Community Road Safety Fund, ensuring safer roads for our community.

Enforcement of the offence for using a mobile phone while driving is not new. Data provided by South Australia Police shows that over the past four years 30,354 expiation notices were issued for mobile phone offences, equating to around 7,600 offences per year.