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Mobile Phones While Driving WA
WA has some of Australia's strictest rules on mobile phone use while driving. Learner and P1/P2 drivers must not use a mobile phone at all — not even hands-free. Full licence holders may use a phone only via Bluetooth/speaker if it is mounted.
Key Rules
- Learner and P1/P2 drivers: complete mobile phone ban — no calls, no texts, no hands-free, no GPS on phone.
- Full licence holders: hands-free only. Phone must be in a mount — not held in the hand, even at a red light.
- Penalty: from $1,000 fine + 3 demerit points. Doubled in a school zone or roadwork area.
Common Mistakes
- Thinking hands-free is OK as a learner driver — it is NOT. Any mobile use is banned.
- Using the phone at a red light while stopped — the rule applies even when stationary.
Practical Example
Maria (learner driver) plugs her phone into the car mount to use GPS. Even though it's mounted and hands-free, this is still illegal for a learner. She must use a dedicated GPS device or ask a passenger to navigate.
Quick Check
- Can a learner driver use a Bluetooth headset for calls? → No. Any mobile phone use is banned for learner drivers.
- A fully-licensed driver has her phone in her hand at a red light. Is this legal? → No. The phone must always be in a mount.
Source: Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008 + WA Learner Driver Guide (mobile phones section)