Mobile phone ban for learner's permit & provisional drivers

Why has the mobile phone ban for L and P1 drivers been introduced?

Research has shown that using a mobile phone while driving increases crash risk by at least four times.

Young and inexperienced drivers are at an even greater risk as they are still developing their driving capabilities are more liable to lose concentration and make mistakes when driving. They are also among the most frequent users of mobile phones and it is important that they avoid these risks when they get behind the wheel of a car.

Last year, 362 people aged between 16 and 24 were killed or seriously injured on South Australian roads. And over the last five years, 2031 young people were killed or seriously injured.

The State Government is bringing in changes such as this to help keep young people alive and safe on our roads.

What does the mobile phone ban mean?

L and P1 drivers will be banned from using any type of mobile phone function while driving. The mobile phone ban includes:

• using hands-free mode including Bluetooth technology
• loud speaker operation
• text messaging.

When will South Australia’s ban be in place?

The mobile phone ban for L and P1 drivers will commence in South Australia on 31 August 2009.

Who will the mobile phone ban apply to?

The mobile phone ban applies to anyone who is the holder of a learner’s permit or P1 licence. The ban will continue to apply until a provisional licence holder progresses to a P2 licence.

Do other jurisdictions have a mobile phone ban in place for young drivers?

Similar bans for L and P1 drivers using mobile phones have been introduced in Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales.

What is the penalty for using a hand held phone while driving?

L and P1 drivers who use any type of mobile phone function while driving face an on-the-spot fine of $218 and will incur three demerit points.

If a driver incurs four or more demerit points while the holder of a learner’s permit or P1 licence they will be disqualified for a period of 6 months and may regress to a previous licence stage.

Can I use my phone to make and answer calls if I am parked on the side of the road?

Yes. It will continue to be legal for L and P1 drivers to make or receive calls and use any other function of any type of mobile phone if the car is parked safely (but not stationary in a traffic queue or at traffic lights)

Comments

[Cygnett]

I agree, In my day we never had mobile phones, but these day everyone has them, kids can't stay off the things, Its not as if driving on our city streets isn't dangerous enough, let alone adding inexperienced drivers on them texting while driving, they need to harden up the law!