Drivers will incur an extra demerit point if they are caught illegally using a mobile phone.
Demerit points for this offence will rise from four to five when the changes come into effect in September.
This will be the toughest demerit point penalty for illegal mobile phone use in Australia.
The change is among measures announced on Tuesday by Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey.
Ms Pavey announced in February, at the launch of the Road Safety Plan 2021, the government would review penalties, develop new road safety advertising and introduce safeguards to improve driver safety in relation to alcohol and drugs, including prescription drugs.
Ms Pavey said higher demerit points for illegal phone use would help change driver behaviour.
“We know from a recent RMS survey that 74 per cent of the community support a crackdown to illegal phone use behind the wheel,” she said.
“We all see it and the community has had enough.
“We have already introduced legislation to enable camera-based technology so it can be used to enforce mobile phone offences in the future, a world first.”
Ms Pavey said changes would also be made to reduce the risk of driving while impaired by prescription drugs, including clearer guidance on when doctors should report a patient to a driver licensing authority if they have concerns.
“Communications will also be enhanced so drivers are aware of the risks and are reminded that driving while impaired by medicines is a serious offence,” she said.
The key changes include:
- Demerit point rise from four to five for illegal phone use behind the wheel.
- Road safety advertising – develop a new strategy to drive campaigns, based on positive messaging
- Strengthen guidelines for the opioid treatment program, new training for prescribers, new communication about rights and responsibilities for doctors and patients
- Change to the definition of “drug” in the Road Safety Act to ensure offenders driving while impaired by a broad range of new and emerging drugs can be charged under the influence
