Tougher penalties have started rolling out across the nation for mobile phone use while driving. New camera technology to catch mobile phone users has also been introduced. This isn’t a new law about phone usage but rather stronger enforcement of the law. As an example, the usage of Google Maps safely and legally would require it to be completely voice-controlled and in a ‘commercially designed and manufactured mount’. This article is aimed at ensuring you can legally and safely still use a GPS navigational aid (vehicle GPS or smartphone).
| State | New Fine | Demerit Points lost |
| QLD | $1000* | 4 |
| SA | $554 | 3 |
| NT | $500 | 3 |
| VIC | $496 | 4 |
| ACT | $480 | 3 |
| WA | $400 | 3 |
| NSW | $344 | 5 |
| TAS | $336 | 3 |
As of 01/02/2020*
What are my options for using a navigator legally?
You have a couple of options available to avoid these new fines and drive legally while still retaining a useful navigational aid. One option is to go with a dedicated vehicle GPS capable of voice commands like the Garmin DriveSmart series – I’ll have a list below of GPS units capable of voice activation. Another option is to use your phone with hands-free voice commands in a ‘commercially designed mount’.
| usage as a navigational aid as long as it’s in a secure mount and hands-free usage. |