Mobile phone restriction
All drivers are banned from using a mobile phone that is held in the hand while driving.
Additional restrictions apply to young drivers and their passengers
Learners, P1 type licence holders under 25 years of age and P1 type licence holders (who return from a disqualification to a P1 type probationary licence where at the time of the offence they were under 25 years of age) are subject to further restrictions. These licence holders are not permitted to use:
- hands-free kits
- wireless headsets
- loudspeaker functions.
Passengers and supervisors of these licence holders are also banned from using mobile phones in loudspeaker mode while the car is being driven. However, passengers or supervisors can use a hand-held or hands-free mobile phone where only a one-way conversation can occur and not distract the driver.
The table below explains the mobile phone restrictions.
Licence type and age | Hands-free† | Wireless headsets | Speaker 'broadcast' function |
|---|
- No = if you hold this type of licence you cannot use these mobile phone functions.
- Yes = if you hold this type of licence you can use these mobile phone functions.
- ^P1 type probationary licence holder whose licence was issued due to a disqualification for an offence committed while under the age of 25.
- †Where only a one-way conversation can occur.
|
| Learner licence holder under 25 years of age – car (class C) |
No |
No |
No |
| P1 type licence holder under 25 years of age |
No |
No |
No |
| P1 type probationary licence holder^ |
No |
No |
No |
| Passengers of learner and P1 type licence holders under 25 years of age |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
| Passengers of P1 type probationary licence holders^ |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
Supervisors of learner licence holders |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
The additional restrictions do not apply to P2 type licence holders. P2 type licence holders can only use a hand-held mobile phone while the vehicle is legally and safely parked as per Queensland legislation*.
Penalties
Using a hand-held mobile phone is illegal when driving, even when you are stopped at traffic lights. This includes making and receiving calls and text messaging. You must pull over and park in a safe place to make or receive a call. If you are found using a hand-held mobile phone while driving, you will be given a ticket for this offence and three demerit points will be recorded against your traffic history.
Learner and P1 type provisional licence holders who fail to comply with additional mobile phone restrictions will incur a penalty. Passengers and supervisors using loudspeaker mode will also be penalised.
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