March 29, 2024

Increased penalties for mobile phone offences and how we can help you find a safe solution

New NO TOUCH Phone regulations in QLD and how we can help you find a safe solution.

It’s no secret that QLD Transport have announced new stricter regulations to help improve road safety. We’re all for safer roads here at Maroochy Car Sound but also understand how important it is to stay in-touch with people whilst on the road – be it for work or family.

We have a huge range of great options for upgrading your car stereo to allow greater hands free communications – both built in or accessing Apple Car Play or Android Auto.

An example of Apple Car Play upgrade

 

Here’s an outline of the new rules (view the whole official statement here.

Currently in QLD, you will receive a $400 fine and 3 demerit points if you touch your phone whilst driving. From 1 February 2020, the fine increases to $1000 and 4 demerit points.
Touching your phone whilst driving includes but is not limited to:
* Moving your phone from your handbag to the phone mounter;
* Reading, scrolling, sending or composing text messages even if you are stationary at traffic lights;
* Touching your phone whilst it is in the phone mounter to change directions on google maps
* Touching your phone for any other purpose eg. Changing your Spotify playlists.
And yes, there will be artificial intelligence cameras in QLD shortly that detect your every movement, especially at traffic lights.
You must be legally parked in order to touch your mobile phone. Parked means “stopped with the intention of staying in that place”.
Lastly, please note that double demerit points will apply for mobile phone offences committed within 1 year of an earlier similar offence. Suspension of driver’s licences will most likely follow.