Quiz: Are you breaking SA's phone rules?

Fines are falling from new mobile phone detection cameras, but some hotspots are still catching thousands. Test your knowledge now.

Remember those mobile phone detection cameras (MPDCs) installed around Adelaide last year? They’re working – big time.

Since launching in June 2024, mobile phone offences at detection camera locations have been cut by about 81 per cent.

During the initial warning period, there were more than 68,000 detections. This dropped to around 28,000 detections in the first three months after fines began, with 18,000 in the following three months.

Top spots where drivers still get busted

Here are the three main hotspots since the cameras were switched on:

North-South Motorway, Regency Park: 12,645 offences
South Road, Torrensville: 11,828 offences
Southern Expressway, Darlington: 9,482 offences

Caught in the act? Here’s the cost

18 and over: $556 fine + $102 Victims of Crime levy + 3 demerit points
Under 18: $556 fine + $20 Victims of Crime levy + 3 demerit points

That’s more than the price of an Apple Watch, Gucci sunnies, or a return flight to Bali!

And while the overall trend is positive, Superintendent Shane Johnson, Officer in Charge of SAPOL’s Traffic Services Branch says the number of repeat offenders is “disappointing”.

“Police continue to investigate these offences,” he says. “These drivers face a loss of licence and significant fines.”

The silver lining is that all money from speed and mobile phone detection cameras goes straight back into the Community Road Safety Fund for extra policing, fixing black spots, safe driving education and road safety lessons for schools and community groups across South Australia.

But it’s not just about the money…

Fines hurt, but the real danger is much worse. Using your phone while driving makes you four times more likely to crash:

Slow reactions: Slower braking and hazard response
Missed signals: Overlooked stop signs or red lights
Poor braking: Less control when braking
Lane drift: Unintentional swerving

Texting is even riskier, keeping your eyes off the road for dangerously long periods. A quick glance could end lives.

On average, distraction and inattention contribute to almost half of all lives lost and over a third of serious injuries on South Australian roads every year – making it one of our top road dangers.

Alarmingly, drivers aged 20–39 make up around 60% of phone-related offences.

During busy periods, such as school holidays, there will be even more cars on the road than usual – another reason to make sure you play it safe.

Rules refresher: Know before you go

Here are the three rules to remember:

If you need to touch your phone to make or receive a call (like dialling a number), your phone must be mounted in a commercially designed holder.
If you’re using Bluetooth, a headset or earphones, you mustn’t touch, hold or rest the phone on any part of your body (including your lap). The phone can be located anywhere else in the car – even in your pocket. And you’re only allowed to touch the earpiece or headphones to operate the phone.
It’s illegal to create, send or look at texts, video messages or emails or use social media on your mobile phone while driving.

And remember, if you’re on your Ls or P1s, you can’t use your phone at all – not even hands-free.

Play it safe

Even hands-free calls can distract. Need to talk or text urgently? Pull over safely first. No call or text is worth risking your life – or someone else’s.

Parked legally and safely? Then no restrictions on calls or texts apply.

You can also use your phone to pay while you’re parked in a car or at a drive-thru. Just use your Apple Wallet or Google Pay.