South Australia’s grace period for motorists caught by mobile phone cameras is over, as authorities fine drivers caught illegally using their devices while behind the wheel.
From September 19, 2024, drivers caught using a mobile phone behind the wheel will face high fines and demerit points.
Drivers aged 18 and over will be fined $658 (including a crime victims’ levy of $102) and three demerit points, while drivers under 18 will be fined $576 and three demerit points.
There are hundreds of new car deals available through AutoExpert now. Get the experts on your side and score a good deal. Browse now.
Mobile phone detection cameras have been in use at five locations in South Australia since June 19, although no fines have been issued during the three-month grace period.
During that time, South Africa Police issued 68,252 warnings for mobile phone offences, amounting to approximately 740 offenses per day. Below you will find the number of violations recorded at each of the five locations:
- North-South Freeway, Regency Park: 19,649
- South Road, Torrensville: 15,645
- Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross: 14.107
- Port Road, Hindmarsh: 12,415
- Southern Highway, Darlington: 6436
In the three-month period, one driver received 33 warning letters, two drivers received 32 warning letters and one driver received 31.
SA Police Traffic Services Brand Officer Chief Inspector Darren Fielke said police “have gone through a long process of educating drivers about the cameras, where they work, and providing a grace period – there is no excuse for getting caught.”
“Taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second, to read or respond to a message slows your reaction time and increases your chance of an accident.
“This is true even when you are stopped at traffic lights, because you are slow to react to changing traffic conditions, such as changing lights or the movement of pedestrians, bicycles or other vehicles.”
Authorities say distraction played a role in causing crashes that resulted in 1,715 serious injuries and 199 deaths in South Australia from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2023.
Distraction has been a suspected cause of 1,631 casualty collisions so far this year, with 21 deaths and 215 serious injuries attributed to distraction.
MORE: South Australia’s distracted driving problem exposed by new cameras
MORE: South Australia’s mobile phone detection cameras are online: what you need to know
