Exemptions for full licence holders

Full licence holders are allowed to use mobile devices in the following instances:

• GPS purposes: You can use your mobile device as a navigation tool (for example, through GPS apps). There are couple of conditions to this:
  • your mobile device is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle such as a mobile phone holder or connected via Bluetooth or wired connection (such as CarPlay or Android Auto), and
  • you do not touch your mobile device or change the settings in any way.
• Playing music or audio files: You can use your mobile device to play music or other audio files such as podcasts or audio books. The conditions for this use are:
  • you cannot be holding your mobile device (which includes having it resting on any part of your body or resting on an item on your lap), and
  • you do not touch your mobile device or change the settings in any way.
• Making or receiving audio calls: You can use your mobile device to make or receive audio calls subject to the following conditions:
  • if your mobile device is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle such as a mobile phone holder or connected via Bluetooth or wired connection (such as CarPlay or Android Auto), you can touch your device while it is in a mobile phone holder (or use your steering wheel controls or touch the CarPlay or Android Auto screen) to make or receive calls but for no other reason.
  • if your device is not secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle or connected via Bluetooth/wired connection, you can answer or make a call if you do not touch your mobile device, rest the device on your body, clothing or an item on your lap, or change the settings in any way (for example, you can accept the call using voice activation)
• Taxi, rideshare and hire car drivers: The use of a mobile device as a dispatch system is permitted under the rules as a driver’s aid. This means that rideshare, taxi and hire car drivers are permitted to touch their phone to accept or reject a job request through a dispatch system provided that the body of the mobile device is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle.

• Rules at a glance:

  

  

  

  

  • You can place your mobile device in a secured mounting (phone holder/cradle) attached to the car or connect your device to the car via Bluetooth or wired connection (such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).
  • When set up this way, all drivers can use the device as a navigation tool through the use of GPS apps, and to play music or listen to audio files.
  • Remember to set up your GPS instructions and music playlists before driving because you cannot touch your device to skip or change songs or change the navigation settings while driving – it is an offence.
  • If the mobile device is securely stored in a mounting attached to the car, a fully licensed driver can touch the device to make or receive audio calls. If the device is connected via Bluetooth or wired connection, they can also use the steering wheel controls, voice command, or in-car display screens to make or receive audio calls.

Full mobile device ban for learner and provisional drivers

A full mobile device ban is in place for learner and provisional drivers. This means it is illegal to text, use social media, use Bluetooth, hands-free or speaker mode while you are driving. Even touching your mobile device or the CarPlay/Android Auto screen – to skip a song or talk-type message – is an offence. This includes hand-held or wearable devices, such as headphones or speakers.

Learner and provisional drivers can listen to audio, provided the device is not being held by the driver, including resting on their body or an item on their lap, and does not require interaction by any means, including by voice or through the CarPlay/Android Auto screen,  while driving. Set up and play your music playlist before you drive as you cannot skip or change songs on your mobile device while driving.

Learner and provisional drivers can also use their mobile device for GPS, provided the device is secured in a mounting affixed to the vehicle (e.g. mobile phone holder, using Bluetooth or wired connection) and does not require interaction by any means, including by voice or through the CarPlay/Android Auto screen, while driving. You should set up your GPS instructions before you drive. If you need to change your GPS settings or instructions during the journey, pull over and park your vehicle at a safe place first.

• Rules at a glance:

  

  

  

  

  • You can place your mobile device in a secured mounting (phone holder/cradle) attached to the car or connect your device to the car via Bluetooth or wired connection (such as Apple CarPlay or Android Auto).
  • When set up this way, all drivers can use the device as a navigation tool through the use of GPS apps, and to play music or listen to audio files.
  • Remember to set up your GPS instructions and music playlists before driving because you cannot touch your device to skip or change songs or change the navigation settings while driving – it is an offence.
  • Learner and provisional licensed drivers are subject to stricter rules and cannot interact with a mobile device while driving. This includes making or receiving calls, using hands-free or the vehicle’s voice command functions to change GPS or music settings.

Driver checklist

Did you know using a mobile phone while driving is just as dangerous as drink driving? We suggest following these steps when you get in the car:

• Put your phone away: If you do not need your mobile device for navigation or audio purposes, we suggest leaving the device in the glovebox or in your bag.
• Set yourself up before you drive: Set your GPS and playlists up before you leave. Make sure you won’t need to change any settings while you are on the road. If you need to make any changes, find an appropriate place to pull over.
• Pull over if you need to: If you really need to make a call or send a message, pull over and park safely first.
• Turn on the 'do not disturb' function: To make sure you aren’t tempted by incoming notifications while you are driving, you can set up the ‘do not disturb’ feature before you start your trip. See a short instructional video for iPhones and Android phones.  Not all Android phones have a ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ feature built in. Android users can head to the Google Play store, search for ‘Do Not Disturb While Driving’ and download any of the free apps available. For more information on iPhones view the Apple support page.

The transportable cameras have been operating on various sites across the road network. To see the full list of fixed and transportable mobile device detection camera locations, visit the ACT Government Open Data Portal.

Mobile device detection camera privacy impact assessment (PIA)

The ACT Government takes the management of personal information seriously and is committed to ensuring adequate security and privacy safeguards are in place to protect customer information.

As recommended by best practice, an initial privacy impact assessment (PIA) was undertaken before the procurement for a suitable mobile device detection camera system was commenced.

Once a suitable mobile device detection camera system provider was awarded a contract, a further PIA was undertaken to ensure compliance with the recommendations arising from the initial PIA and to identify further privacy safeguards. For more information see a summary of both PIAs, recommendations and actions taken with regard to the recommendations (PDF 437.8 KB).

ACT Government has undertaken due diligence prior to undertaking the reform and implementation of the MDDC system to safeguard the security and privacy of customers. The PIAs undertaken in 2020 and 2023 outline the consideration given to the management of personal information and the actions taken to ensure adequate safeguards are in place to provide the community confidence.

A copy of both PIAs can be requested through the FOI online request form and will be provided in line with the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2016. The documents will not be provided in full.