Demerit points has increased from four to five for illegal phone usage while driving. 
This will be applied from September 2018 in NSW. 

Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said that the higher demerit points will help change driver’s actions on NSW roads. 

“We know from a recent RMS survey that 74 per cent of the community support a crackdown to illegal phone use behind the wheel. We all see it the community has had enough,” Mrs Pavey said. 

To tackle illegal phone usage while driving, a legislation has already been introduced to enable camera-based technology to catch and enforce mobile phone offences. 

In NSW, Learner, P1 and P2 licence holders are not allowed to use a mobile phone while driving at all times. 

For fully licensed drivers, they can make a call on their phone or use the audio playing function, if it is cradle fixed to the vehicle, or operated with no contact to the phone such as via Bluetooth. 

They may also use the phone as a driver’s aid, as a navigation or a Speed Adviser app only if it is cradle fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure the view of the road. 

Once the demerit points rise to five, P2 will only have two demerit points remaining once they are penalised. Learner and P1 drivers will exceed their demerit point threshold and receive a three-month licence suspension. 

It is illegal for all drivers to use their mobile phones to text, email, use social media, take photos or make a video call on the road at all times.