To combat distractions while driving, Australia has enacted a new driving law. Starting October 2025, a driver who is seen looking at a screen, be it a cellphone, a tablet or the infotainment system of the car, will be fined $224. For some states or territories, the fine could be accompanied by demerit points. Authorities emphasize the importance of this measure in order to mitigate accidents due to inattentive driving. They explain that the short, mere glimpses at a screen are enough to significantly impair a driver’s ability to respond quickly to road changes.
What is “Screen Watching”?
In the new law, “screen watching” means viewing content that is unrelated to driving. This can be streaming, reading emails, browsing social media or playing a game. The regulation applies whether the driver is holding the device or it is mounted in the car. The navigation systems, as well as other screens involved in legitimate vehicle functions, are still allowed. However, misuse of these screens will be punished. This law now harmonizes with other stricter mobile phone use legislation that is already in place throughout Australia.
Enforcement Methods
In addition to the traditional patrol observations and now road safety cameras the police will have to enforce the new rule. Advanced AI patrol cameras are used in several states and are able to identify distracted drivers by taking high-resolution and rapid succession photos. These cameras are able to determine whether the driver’s eyes are fixed on a device and are not paying attention to the road. For more serious offences, the police are able to impose higher fines and the suspension of the driver’s licence.
Penalty Details
Most regions impose a base fine of $224. This penalty may compound alongside other offences, like speeding and seatbelt offences, making the whole penalty worse. In some states, the offence will also impose 3 demerit points. The national road safety strategy’s goal is to reduce risky behaviour in driving by making this penalty harsh enough so that people will be deterred from risking behaviour.
| Offence | Fine (AUD) | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Watching screen | 224 | 3 |
Public Reaction and Education
Within the community the new rule received a mixed response. Most road safety advocates applauded the new rule but several drivers simply took the new rule as a money grab. Drivers are now encouraged to educate themselves on acceptable screen use and the consequences of distracted driving.
The Bigger Picture
Road safety professionals view the minimization of distractions as an essential element of an overall plan to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on the road by 50% in the next ten years.
FAQs
Q1. Does the law apply if my car screen shows a navigation map?
No, the rule only involves punishment if the screen shows videos, social media, or games, which are unrelated to driving.
Q2. Can the penalty be challenged?
Yes, if drivers think they are wrongly accused, they can fight the fine in court.
Q3. Are passengers allowed to watch screens?
Yes, passengers can use devices freely unless their screen use directly distracts the driver.
