Mobile Phone Detection Cameras

Monday, 19 December 2022

Legislation to begin the process of bringing Mobile Phone Detection Cameras (MPDCs) to South Australia has passed Parliament.

The Statutes Amendment (Use of Devices in Vehicles) Bill 2022 will amend the Road Traffic Act 1961 to allow for the use of MPDCs.

The introduction of MPDCs in South Australia aims to detect and deter distracted drivers who illegally use a mobile phone while driving.

Distraction is one of the leading causes of fatality and serious injuries crashes on South Australian roads. From 2017-2021, 247 lives were lost on our roads and 1,330 serious injuries were sustained with inattention listed as a contributing factor. This equates to 51% of all lives lost and 34% of serious injuries.

Data provided by South Australia Police shows that over the past four years 30,354 expiation notices were issued for mobile phone offences, equating to around 7,600 offences per year.

The cameras are expected to be operational from late 2023, with a three-month grace and education period.

Find out more about Mobile Phone Detection Cameras.