WA raise mobile phone fines while driving up to $1,000 as of July 1st.
The challenge to make WA roads safe is always on-going and the latest step is that under the new legislation from July 1st, drivers will have to pay $1,000 and receive 4 demerit points for using their mobile phone.
The WA Government has announced tough new, two-tiered penalties for drivers caught using mobile phones illegally on WA roads. The top tier will be $1,000 and 4 demerit points for actively engaging their mobile phones (texting, watching video, website or using social media). This is considered to be a major offence.
In the past five years more than 77,000 drivers were caught by WA police using a mobile phone.
Road safety minister Michelle Roberts
For those drivers caught touching or holding their phones to make a call is considered less of an offence. However, the fine will still cost drivers $500 fine and 3 demerit points.
These fines are up from the current fine of $400 for phone use while driving.
In 2019, 19% of all road fatalities in Western Australia have been attributed to inattention, of which mobile phone use is included according to the latest release from the Road Safety Commission.
Mobile Phone Fine Summary
- Major fine using your phone (texting, watching video, website or using social media) while driving – $1,000 and 4 demerit points
- Minor fine touching or holding your phone – $500 and 3 demerit points
Taking your eyes off the road for just two seconds at 60km/h, is the same as driving 33 metres while blindfolded, while at 100km/h, you’ll be driving blindfolded for 55 metres.
Road Safety Council Chairman Iain Cameron
For more information on mobile phone penalties in WA visit rsc.wa.gov.au.
