New Penalty Law Imposed For Mobile Driving Cases
Every year, there are countless cases of mobile driving in Western Australia. Considering the situation, the state government has doubled the fines. The governing body has decided to assign demerit points to discourage drivers from using mobile phones while driving. It is a step taken to reduce the road trauma caused by unnecessary distraction. Inattentiveness causes fatal accidents on roads.
Road safety has become a serious concern in Western Australia. The updated law shows a significant shift towards a more serious approach by the authorities in how they treat mobile phone offences. Driving schools are increasingly emphasising the dangers of distracted driving to reduce such accidents on roads.
What Does This Mean for Drivers & Motorcyclists?
Previously, drivers were fined almost $400 and given three demerit points for illegal phone use while driving. New penalties have increased, making Western Australia a stricter state in the country. Since last September, it has been regulated that drivers can now only touch their phones in limited situations. Drivers can receive and hang up calls only if the phone is mounted securely in the vehicle.
Hands-free devices are also permissible, such as Bluetooth car kits, headsets, or voice-activated systems. Even a brief touch or hold of the phone can result in a $500 fine with three demerit points. This fine applies even if a driver is waiting at traffic lights.
The Laws Getting Even Stricter
The fines become even more severe if a driver is caught texting, emailing, using social media, making video calls, or watching videos. These activities are considered a higher level of distraction. The driver will only attract a $1000 infringement with four demerit points. These actions are not allowed at any cost, even if the phone is mounted or operable with hands-free.
The GPS app can be used on the phone as long as the driver doesn’t touch the phone. Navigation is an integral part of driving, and thus using a GPS is not an offence.
Driving Schools are Striving to Change the Habit
The stricter rules reflect the broader effort to change drivers’ behaviour. Enforcement alone is not enough to overcome this objective. Driving schools in Wanneroo are providing modern lessons that are not solely focused on steering, parking and braking. They are developing lessons to encourage a responsible mindset behind the wheel.
Instructors have taken the new law seriously and are providing students with relevant courses. They are actively teaching students to view mobile phones as devices responsible for accidents. Learners are taught to complete their calls and music recreation before taking the wheel. Driving instructors are reinforcing the importance of staying focused once the journey is started.
The newly regulated penalties are not just about being harsh on the drivers. They should not be seen as punishments. The stricter laws have been imposed to save lives. Education through driving schools is playing a major role in developing a long-term plan to change drivers’ behaviour.
Learn to drive safely with Joondalup Driving Practice. We have tailored our driving lessons to meet the demanding needs of modern drivers. We are eager to help you learn and thus provide a pickup facility from your home, school, or workplace. Please feel free to reach out to our help desk for more information.