“We know from a recent RMS survey that 74 per cent of the community support a crackdown to illegal phone use behind the wheel,” Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey said. “The community has had enough.”

It is illegal for learner, P1 and P2 licence holders to use a mobile phone while driving or riding. This includes when waiting at traffic lights or struck in traffic. Drivers are not allowed to use their mobiles to text, email, use social media, take photos or video call while driving.

Fully licensed drivers can only make a call if the phone is either in a cradle fixed to the vehicle or operated without touching the phone, such as via Bluetooth or voice activation. Changes will also be made to reduce the risk of driving while impaired by prescription drugs.