Driving Offences & Mobile Phone Cameras

Mobile phone detection cameras use a combination of high-definition cameras and artificial intelligence image analysis to detect drivers holding or using a mobile phone while driving. The system operates as follows:

Under Rule 300 of the Road Rules 2014 (NSW), a driver must not use a mobile phone while the vehicle is moving or is stationary but not parked. "Use" is broadly defined and includes:

Under the 2026 expansion, Transport for NSW has deployed additional fixed and transportable mobile phone detection camera units across the Hunter region. While Transport for NSW does not publish the exact locations of all cameras, the following corridors in the Lake Macquarie and Hunter area are known enforcement zones:

Five demerit points is a significant penalty. To put this in context:

If you are a full licence holder who has accumulated demerit points and is facing a licence suspension, you may be eligible to elect a good behaviour licence period as an alternative to suspension. Under a good behaviour licence, you are permitted to continue driving but must not incur more than 2 demerit points during the 12-month period — otherwise your licence is suspended for double the original period.

Given that a single mobile phone offence attracts 5 demerit points, a good behaviour licence is a high-risk option for drivers who regularly use their phone while driving. Rob Williams can advise whether a good behaviour licence is appropriate for your circumstances or whether other options — including electing to have the matter heard in court — are preferable. See our Good Behaviour Licence guide for more detail.

Under the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan, Transport for NSW introduced a repeat offender penalty tier for mobile phone detection camera offences. A driver who has previously been detected by a mobile phone detection camera within the preceding 12 months faces an increased fine of $581 and the same 5 demerit points. This is in addition to any school zone loading that may apply.

The repeat offender tier is applied automatically based on the registered operator's infringement history. If you believe the repeat offender loading has been incorrectly applied, this is a ground for requesting a review of the infringement notice.

Paying the fine is the simplest option and results in the fine being paid and the demerit points being recorded against your licence. You do not need to attend court. However, if the demerit points will push you into suspension territory — particularly for P1 or P2 licence holders — you should consider your other options before paying.

You can request an internal review of the infringement notice through Revenue NSW. A review officer will examine the evidence — including the camera image — and determine whether the infringement should be upheld, withdrawn, or reduced. Grounds for a successful review include:

A review must generally be requested within 90 days of the date of the infringement notice. Rob Williams can assist you in preparing a review submission that clearly articulates the grounds and supporting evidence.

You have the right to elect to have any traffic infringement heard in the Local Court. This is known as a court election. Once you elect court, the matter is listed before a magistrate and the prosecution must prove the offence beyond a reasonable doubt.

Electing court is particularly worth considering when:

If you elect court and the matter proceeds before a magistrate, the court has the power to find the offence proved but decline to record a conviction under section 10 of the Crimes (Sentencing Procedure) Act 1999. A section 10 dismissal means:

A section 10 is not guaranteed and is not available in every case. The magistrate will consider the nature of the offence, your traffic history, your personal circumstances, and the submissions made on your behalf. Rob Williams has extensive experience appearing at Belmont Local Court, Toronto Local Court, and Newcastle Local Court on traffic matters and can advise you on the realistic prospects of a section 10 in your specific circumstances.

If the demerit points from a mobile phone offence push you into suspension, you will receive a Notice of Suspension from Transport for NSW. The standard suspension period for exceeding the demerit point threshold is 3 months for a first suspension and 6 months for a second or subsequent suspension.

If a demerit point suspension will cause you significant hardship — for example, if you rely on your licence for work — you may be able to apply to the Local Court for a hardship licence (also known as a restricted licence or work licence). This allows you to drive for work purposes only during the suspension period. Rob Williams can advise whether a hardship licence application is available in your circumstances. See our guide on licence disqualification and hardship licences.