Mobile phone detection cameras roll out in Canberra, fines waived until October 2023

The Australian Capital Territory has rolled out its first three mobile phone detection cameras across Canberra – but motorists will avoid receiving fines and demerit points until October 2023 thanks to an elongated grace period.

In a media statement, ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr announced motorists who are caught on camera using mobile phones illegally will receive a warning notice “from mid-year”, before fines and infringement notices are issued from October 2023.

It is not the first time the ACT Government has provided an extended grace period for drivers who have been caught breaking the law.

During a two-week period in late June 2021, the ACT Government issued more than 20,000 warnings to motorists caught speeding by a fixed speed camera along Northbourne Avenue and Barry Drive after the posted limit was reduced from 60km/h to 40km/h.

When the government began enforcing the reduced speed limit in July 2021, 18,437 infringement notices were issued within the first three weeks.

The ACT Government claims it has issued an average of 911 infringement notices and 260 cautions annually to drivers caught using their mobile phones illegally since 2017.

In the ACT, motorists who are caught using their mobile phone illegally are fined $498 and penalised three demerit points. Those who use the mobile phone for other purposes – such as using apps, sending messages or taking photos – are hit with a $618 fine and four demerit points.

According to Chief Minister Barr, the first three portable mobile phone detection cameras have been installed on three of Canberra’s main arterial roads – Yamba Drive, Canberra Avenue and Horse Park Drive – but the devices will be moved across other locations for calibration purposes in the coming months.

In addition to the three portable detection cameras, two fixed-location mobile phone detection cameras are due to be installed on Hindmarsh Drive and Gungahlin Drive in the coming weeks.

The ACT Government's mobile phone detection camera roll-out follows Victoria (as reported earlier this week), New South Wales and Queensland, while Australia's remaining jurisdictions – Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and the Northern Territory – are due to follow.

While the ACT Government will not implement enforceable fines for the next nine months, Mr Barr encouraged motorists to start adjusting their bad habits immediately by leaving their mobile phones alone while driving. 

“These new cameras, which will operate day and night in all weather conditions, will help ensure Canberrans understand that any time you take your eyes off the road to use your mobile phone while driving, you’re risking your own life and the lives of other road users,” Mr Barr said in a media statement.

“I strongly urge drivers to leave your mobile device alone when driving. Soon this technology will detect driver mobile phone use across our road network and stiff penalties could apply.

“Every accident that results in serious injury or death is a tragedy for our community. When it comes to mobile phones and driving, it’s time to get your hand off it.”

If you own an Apple or Android mobile phone, there is an easy way to turn off your notifications while driving to minimise the distractions.

On an Apple iPhone, locate the ‘Do Not Disturb’ or ‘Focus’ settings on your device and find the ‘Driving’ option. This will silence all notifications other than calls, and can be configured to automatically turn on when the device connects to your car’s sound system via Bluetooth.

For Android mobile phone users, the ‘Do Not Disturb’ function can only be turned on manually or when driving while using Google Maps.