NSW Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Cameras Expand

NSW mobile phone and seatbelt cameras will operate with expanded capability from Sunday 1 March. Authorities remind motorists to belt up and keep their phones out of reach while driving.

The change affects Transport for NSW’s ten transportable Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Detection Cameras. These will now operate at full bi-directional capacity on single-lane roads. Previously, the cameras could check up to two lanes of traffic travelling in one direction only.

Expanded Capability, No New Cameras

Transport for NSW confirmed there will be no additional cameras installed across the network. Instead, the existing units will be upgraded to maximise coverage and improve enforcement efficiency.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said the enhancement reflects growth in the number of vehicles registered across the state since the program began in 2019.

“When we switched on mobile phone detection cameras almost seven years ago, the target was to be able to check each registered vehicle in NSW an average of at least 20 times a year,” Mr Murray said.

“Since then, the number of registered vehicles in NSW has jumped almost 12%, from 6.7 million to 7.5 million.”

The expansion of the transportable cameras begins in March and will roll out over six months. Fixed mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras will remain unchanged.

Road Safety Impact

The camera program has expanded its scope since its introduction. While initially focused on illegal mobile phone use, seatbelt detection capability was added in 2024.

According to Transport for NSW data from 2025:

• Approximately one in every 1,200 vehicles checked was detected using a mobile phone illegally.
• Around one in just under every 1,300 vehicles had an occupant breaching seatbelt laws.

By comparison, when mobile phone camera enforcement first commenced, as many as one in every 400 vehicles was detected committing an offence.

Mr Murray said the statistics demonstrate changing driver behaviour.

“We know lives have been saved as people change their behaviours in response to awareness and education. Seatbelt use and distractions through phone use feature as key contributors to the road toll,” he said.

Targeting Behaviour Change

Authorities say the objective remains deterrence rather than revenue raising. As with all camera infringements, revenue from fines is directed into road safety initiatives.

The program aims to ensure each registered vehicle in NSW is checked frequently enough to maintain a strong deterrent effect. With the state’s vehicle fleet now sitting at 7.5 million, expanding the coverage of existing units is seen as a practical step to maintain that enforcement benchmark.

Distraction and failure to wear a seatbelt remain two major contributors to serious injury and fatal crashes. Road safety data consistently shows that drivers using mobile phones have slower reaction times, reduced hazard perception, and impaired situational awareness.

What Drivers Need to Know

From 1 March, motorists travelling on single-lane roads should expect cameras to monitor traffic flowing in both directions.

Drivers are reminded:

• It is illegal to use a handheld mobile phone while driving.
• All vehicle occupants must wear a properly fitted and fastened seatbelt.
• Penalties include fines and demerit points.

Transport for NSW continues to encourage drivers to plan ahead. It also suggests activating hands-free functions before departing and securing loose devices out of reach.

With the program now entering its seventh year, authorities say the message remains clear: buckle up and put the phone down.

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