Effective today, the use of mobile devices, including those which are hands-free, has been outlawed for all provisional licence holders.
Changes to Rule 300 of the NSW Road Rules brings into line the rule for both P1 and P2 provisional drivers, making it illegal to use a phone not only when driving or riding or when stationary but not parked.
This is irrespective of whether or not the phone is sitting in a cradle mount.
The definition of 'use' under Rule 300, is as follows:
- (a) holding the body of the phone in her or his hand (whether or not engaged in a phone call), except while in the process of giving the body of the phone to a passenger in the vehicle,
- (b) entering or placing, other than by the use of voice, anything into the phone, or sending or looking at anything that is in the phone,
- (c) turning the phone on or off,
- (d) operating any other function of the phone.(This includes GPS and Navigation apps)
Hawkesbury MP Dominic Perrottet endorsed the changes.
“We are already investing in safer roads for the Hawkesbury with new overtaking lanes and intersection improvements on our busiest local roads but we also need to help road users to drive more safely,” he said.
“There have been improvements in young driver safety over time due to proven restrictions like zero BAC, mobile phone bans and passenger restrictions and these new measures will help keep even more young drivers safe.
“We’ve already seen too many young lives either cut short or changed forever due to crashes which didn’t have to happen.”
For more information on the rules and regulations for P1 and P2 drivers visit http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/drivers/youngdrivers/licenceconditions.html
