Under rule 300 of the Australian Road Rules it is an offence to use a hand-held telephone when driving, other than when parked. This means that a driver is not permitted to use a mobile telephone even when stationary at traffic lights.

Use is defined very broadly by rule 300. It includes:

Only those drivers with phones that can be used remotely (e.g. via Bluetooth) or which are mounted in a proper device that enables calls to be made or received without touching or holding the phone can make or receive an audio phone call whilst driving.

An audio phone call does not include an email, text message, video call or video message. This means that creating, viewing or sending text or video messages is prohibited, even by remotely accessed phones. However, automatic receipt of communications by the phone itself are excluded.

A mobile phone may be used as a driver’s aid but only if the body of the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle while in use and the use of the phone must not require the driver to press or manipulate any part of the phone.

Learner permit and provisional (P1) drivers are prohibited from using any type of mobile phone technology whilst driving. The ban includes:

It is still legal for a learner or P1 driver to make or receive calls if the car is safely parked. This does not include being stationary in a traffic queue or at traffic lights.

From 30 March 2024, the Australian Road Rules clarify that a car may be parked for the purposes of rule 300 even if the key is in the ignition, or the engine is running.

Penalty - see Expiable Offences and Fees (PD320A) on the SAPOL website.