Drivers using a mobile phone in an illegal manner on South Australian roads now face full expiation penalties following the completion of a three-month expiation grace period aimed at educating drivers about new mobile phone detection capabilities.

From 19 September, the owner of a vehicle driven by someone who is detected using a mobile phone in an illegal manner by a mobile phone detection camera will receive an expiation notice. A driver who is 18 years and older will receive a $556 fine, plus a $102 Victims of Crime levy and three demerit points. A driver under 18 years old will receive a $556 fine plus a $20 Victims of Crime levy and 3 demerit points.

Mobile phone detection cameras across five sites on South Road (Torrensville), North South Motorway (Regency Park), Port Wakefield Road (Gepps Cross), Southern Expressway (Darlington), and Port Road (Hindmarsh), started operations on 19 June.

During the 3-month expiation grace period, SA Police has sent 68,252 warning notices for mobile phone offences. One registered vehicle owner received 33 warning letters, two registered vehicle owners received 32 warning letters and one registered vehicle owner received 31 warning letters.

Traffic Services Branch Officer in Charge Superintendent Darren Fielke says the locations of the new mobile phone detection cameras are no secret.

“We have gone through a long process of educating drivers about the cameras, where they are operating and have provided a grace period - there is no excuse for being caught,” he says.

“Taking your eyes off the road, even for a split second, to read or respond to a message, slows down your reaction time and increases the chances of having a crash.

“This applies even when you are stationary at traffic lights as you are slow to react to changing traffic conditions, such as lights changing, or the movement of pedestrians, bicycles or other vehicles.”

Over the past five years (1 January 2019 to 31 December 2023), ‘Distraction’ has played a significant part in causing crashes that resulted in 1,715 serious injuries and 199 lives lost in South Australia.

Distraction has been a suspected cause in 1631 casualty collisions so far in 2024, with 21 lives lost and 215 serious injuries being attributed to distraction.

Visit Think! Road Safety for further information about mobile phone detection cameras.