South Australia’s grace period for drivers caught on mobile phone cameras has ended, with authorities now fining drivers caught illegally using their devices while driving.
From 19 September 2024, drivers caught using mobile phones while driving will face heavy fines and driving demerit points.
Drivers aged 18 and over will be fined $658 (including a $102 victim of crime surcharge) and lose three demerit points, while drivers under 18 will be fined $576 and lose three demerit points.
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Mobile phone detection cameras have been deployed at five locations in South Australia since June 19, although no fines have been issued during the three-month extension.
During that time, SA Police issued 68,252 warnings for mobile phone-related offences, equating to approximately 740 offences per day. The number of offences recorded at each of the five locations is detailed below:
- North South Expressway, Regency Park: 19,649
- South Road, Torrensville: 15,645
- Port Wakefield Road, Gepps Cross: 14,107
- Port Road, Hindmarsh: 12,415
- Southern Expressway, Darlington: 6436
During a three-month period, one driver received 33 warning letters, two drivers received 32 warning letters, and one driver received 31 warning letters.
South African Police Traffic Services Brand Officer, Superintendent Darren Fielke, said police had “gone through a long process of educating motorists about the cameras, where they operate and have given them a grace period – there is no reason to get caught”.
“Taking your eyes off the road, even for a second, to read or respond to a text message, slows your reaction time and increases your risk of an accident.
“This is true even when you are stopped at a traffic light because you are slow to react to changes in traffic conditions, such as changing lights or the movement of pedestrians, bicycles or other vehicles.”
The government says between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2023, distraction played a role in crashes that resulted in 1715 serious injuries and 199 fatalities in South Australia.
Distraction is believed to have been the cause of 1,631 fatal crashes this year, including 21 fatalities and 215 serious injuries caused by distraction.
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