Touching your phone while driving is now illegal in NSW
Dear NSW drivers — the mere act of fondling your smartphone while behind the wheel could cost you $298 and three demerit points, according to a new road rules document from the Roads and Traffic Authority.
The document, available from the RTA’s website (and apparently FROM THE FUTURE*), details a number of revisions to NSW’s street regulations, though it’s the mobile phone one that demands attention.
The new law states that the driver of a vehicle with its engine running (that is, not parked) cannot use a phone unless its mounted and fixed securely, or the use does not the driver to touch the device.
“All other functions including texting, video messaging, online chatting, reading preview messages and emailing are prohibited,” it goes on to say. You can however touch the phone if you’re passing it to someone else.
I don’t see any rules about touching yourself while driving so I am just going to continue that.
