You must not use a hand-held mobile phone while your vehicle is moving or is stationary in traffic (for example, at traffic lights). You may, however, use a hand-held mobile phone while your vehicle is parked. Show
This does not apply to a driver's aid, such as vehicle system equipment, dispatch system, ticket issuing machine, navigational system, rear view screen, or closed circuit security camera. Research has shown that using a mobile phone while driving increases crash risk by at least 4 times. There is no safe level of mobile use while driving. Using the GPS function on a mobile phone while drivingYou can use the GPS function on your mobile phone only if the phone is fixed to the vehicle in a commercially designed and manufactured cradle and you do not touch it while you are driving. You will need to set the GPS location on your mobile phone before starting your journey and, if you need to make any changes while you are driving, you will need to pull over and park before making those changes. Remember, if you are a learner's permit or provisional (P1) licence holder you are prohibited from using any type of mobile phone function while driving. The mobile phone ban includes:
My car licenceDriving is one of the riskiest daily activities that you'll do so preparing yourself and your vehicle is vital. myLsGet your Learner’s Permit online. Pre learnerStart learning how to be a safe driver now. Full licenceIt's vital to maintain your driving skills and knowledge. Older driversLearn about the risks older drivers face and keep safe on the roads. ResourcesResources related to being a safer driver. FAQFrequently asked questions. My motorcycle licenceRiding a motorcycle is enjoyed by people of all ages. However, compared to driving other road vehicles, riding a motorcycle can place you at higher risk than others. If you are involved in a crash, the chances of being injured are very high. Pre learnerGot your Ls? Learn about special L-rules and conditions. Motorcycle HelmetsThe Australian Road Rules require all motor bike riders and any pillion or sidecar passengers to wear an approved motor bike helmet. Rider Safe trainingRider Safe is a compulsory motorcycle rider training course for all novice motorcycle riders. Motor Bike Lane FilteringIt is important that all motor bike riders are aware of the strict conditions that apply to motor bike lane filtering. Moped ridersMoped/scooter riders, like all motorcyclists, are vulnerable on the road. Returning to ridingTake the time to get your skills up-to-date with the Rider Safe Returning Rider Course. ResourcesResources related to being a safer rider. My heavy vehicle licenceThe term 'heavy vehicle' applies to the trucks, B-doubles and road trains that transport goods across Australia. It also includes buses, trams, agricultural machinery, livestock transporters, tankers, grain and delivery trucks and other long and possibly slow moving vehicles on our roads. The following provides information on upgrading your licence to a higher class. Heavy vehicle driver's handbookThe Heavy Vehicle Driver’s Handbook is an important guide that provides detailed information on what you need to know to operate a heavy vehicle safely in South Australia. Safe driving tipsHeavy vehicles are a safety issue because of the distances travelled, their mass and rigidity. South Eastern FreewayWatch this video before attempting to drive a heavy vehicle down the South Eastern Freeway. Road rulesIs your knowledge of basic road rules up-to-date? ResourcesResources related to being a safer driver. Parents and supervisorsSupervising a learner driver is a challenging experience. It can also be very rewarding. You'll help a young person develop the skills and attitudes they need to become a safer, smarter driver. Pre learnerHow to help prepare your learner driver for a lifetime of safe driving. Learner's permitThe information you need to know and understand before you supervise a learner driver. Solo drivingRehearsing solo driving is vital for your learner. Learn tips on practising here. P plater safetyLearn how to reduce road risks for a newly independent driver. Sharing the household vehicleAs the number of car users in a household increases there will be a growing pressure to use the available vehicles. The Driving CompanionThe Driving Companion contains the log book to record your learner’s compulsory driving hours. ResourcesResources to help you become a better supervisor. Road rulesIs your knowledge of basic road rules up-to-date? Breaking basic road rules contributes to thousands of avoidable crashes in South Australia resulting in injuries and fatalities each year. Road rules videosWatch our videos on a number of commonly misunderstood road rules. Do you know the rules? Road rules quizTry this quick road rules refresher quiz to check your road rules knowledge. The Driver's HandbookThe Driver's Handbook is the road rules handbook for all SA drivers, including learners. ResourcesResources related to being a safer driver. Rail safety quizThink you know how to be safe around trains? Try this quick rail safety quiz to check your knowledge.
Cycling lawsDrivers are required to give a minimum of 1m when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60km/h or less or 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h. Cyclists of all ages can ride on footpaths. Safe driving tipsDriving involves risk and safe drivers aim to reduce and manage their risk. School safetyLearn about road rules and safety tips for driving to and from or in the vicinity of schools. Safer speedsSpeed is a key factor in crashes and road trauma. FatigueFatigue is often ranked as a major factor in causing road crashes. Mobile phonesUsing a mobile phone while driving increases the risk of crashing by at least four times. Know when to cross the lineA level crossing is where the road crosses a rail or tram line. Risk taking around trains and trams is extremely hazardous. Safer vehiclesBuying a car, whether it's for you or your child, is a big responsibility. Country drivingBefore you drive in the country make sure you and your car are prepared. Sharing the roadKnow your responsibilities and respect the rights to safety of all who share our roads. Driveway safetyTragically one child, often a toddler, is run over in their driveway every week in Australia. Breakdown safetyRemember to slow down and be cautious if you see flashing amber hazard lights on the side of the road Yellow Ribbon weekSouth Australia is a supporter of Yellow Ribbon "Drive So Others Survive" National Road Safety Week. Move smartKeep your travel options open, stay flexible and move smart! Driving at nightDriving at night is dangerous and requires more skills and concentration. High powered vehiclesProvisional licence holders under the age of 25 must not drive a high powered vehicle. Driving ageGetting a driver’s licence isn’t a race. If you don’t need a licence yet, just wait. PracticeLearner drivers who have more supervised practice have shown to have substantial crash reductions. ResourcesResources related to being a safer driver. Cycling lawsDrivers are required to give a minimum of 1m when passing a cyclist where the speed limit is 60km/h or less or 1.5m where the speed limit is over 60km/h. Cyclists of all ages can ride on footpaths. International drivers If you are a visitor to South Australia - welcome! We want you to enjoy your stay, but more importantly we want you to stay safe. Here are tips and rules for driving in South Australia. The Driver's HandbookThe Driver's Handbook is the road rules handbook for all South Australian drivers, including learner drivers. Mobile phonesUsing a mobile phone while driving impairs your driving performance through distraction and increases the risk of crashing by at least four times. The most common types of crashes associated with mobile usage are 'run-off-the-road' crashes and 'rear end' crashes. Using a mobile phone while driving significantly impairs your:
If you need to use your mobile phone, stop and park safely where you will not endanger yourself and other road users. Research shows that young drivers can be easily distracted and may experience difficulty in balancing the many demands on their driving - from perceptual, mental and physical tasks. Using a mobile phone while driving, even if you're just looking at a message, increases your risk of a crash by up to four times. Avoid the temptation to multi-task when you drive. Don't look at your phone or talk to anyone.
The dangers of using a mobile phone while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving leads to riskier decision making and distracts you in many ways:
YouTube link - Mobile phone distractions What the law saysIn South Australia, Rule 300 (Use of Mobile Phones) under the Australian Road Rules details what is and isn't legally acceptable use of a mobile phone while driving. Rule 300 states that:
This rule does not apply to learner's permit and P1 licence holders. These drivers are not allowed to use any type of mobile phone function of any kind while driving. Is driving with headphones illegal in Australia?Although wearing headphones while driving is not explicitly illegal, the practice is dangerous and could result in prosecution if deemed to be the cause of an accident. A distraction, including wearing headphones emitting loud music while driving, could come under NSW Road Rule 297(1).
Can I wear headphones while driving?Although there is no set rule against wearing headphones while driving, it is important to consider the impact of peripheral noise on the driver on the road. Audio devices of any kind can detract from your ability to drive safely on the road and act as a huge distraction for all drivers.
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