Apple CarPlay and Android Auto have completely changed how we use our mobile phones in the car. These systems let you access calls, messages, music and navigation using your car's touchscreen or voice control, making driving a lot easier and safer.
But if you're an L or P-plate driver, some Australian states have strict rules about what you can and can't do with these systems while you're driving. For new drivers and their parents, it's important to understand which laws apply where to avoid potentially hefty penalties. The potential penalties listed for each state and territory may have changed since this article was first published. Always check your state or territory government website for the most up-to-date information.
In NSW, L and P-platers are not allowed to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while driving. Even connecting your mobile phone through Bluetooth or a USB cable is not allowed, effectively ruling out mobile phone use entirely while driving as an L or P-plater.
If you're caught using your mobile phone in any of these ways, you could face a fine of $387 and 5 demerit points. If the offence occurs in a school zone, the fine increases to $514, and you could incur up to 10 demerit points, which is enough to lose your licence in one go.
There are some exemptions where L and P-plate drivers can legally use a mobile phone in the car in NSW. For example, you're allowed to use your mobile phone when the car is parked safely out of the line of traffic (the ignition does not need to be turned off).
You can also use your mobile phone if you need to show your digital driver licence when instructed by a police officer, or when making a payment or showing a voucher, but only in locations like a car park, driveway or drive-through, and only when the car is stationary.
In Victoria, the rules for L and P-plate drivers are a little more relaxed than in NSW. L and P-platers can have their phone connected to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but must not "scroll or enter information, use voice controls, use the device for text messages, social media, emails, websites or for video calls."
Because of these rules, it's a good idea to set up your favourite playlist and route on maps before you start driving, otherwise you may risk a $555 fine and 4 demerit points.
In Queensland, the rules around Apple CarPlay and Android Auto depend on your age and the type of provisional licence you hold.
For L and P1 licence holders under 25 years old, any mobile phone use while driving is prohibited, including hands-free kits, bluetooth accessories, wireless headsets and a phone's loudspeaker function.
If you're an L or P1 licence holder and use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while driving, you're treated the same as if you were using your phone directly. The penalty is $1,161 and 4 demerit points.
For P2 licence holders, and P1 licence holders over 25, hands-free mobile phone use is allowed. This includes using a phone in a cradle attached to the car or connected to the car's system for tasks such as accepting calls, using navigation apps, skipping a song, or accepting or finishing a trip as a rideshare driver.
As with Queensland, the rules around Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in South Australia depend on the type of provisional licence you hold.
For L and P1 drivers, any use of Bluetooth or wired technology, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, is prohibited. If you're caught, you could face a $573 fine and 3 demerit points, plus a Victims of Crime levy of $105 if you're 18 or over, or $20 if you're under 18.
On the other hand, P2 licence holders are allowed to use the features provided by Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the phone itself must never be looked at while driving.
In Western Australia, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be used by all licence classes, including L and P-plate drivers. However, there are strict rules about how you interact with your phone while driving.
Drivers can only use a mobile phone to make or receive a voice call if the phone is secured in a mounting or the driver doesn't hold or touch the phone while making the call. Drivers who make a call or touch their phone outside these conditions can face a $500 fine and 3 demerit points. If you're caught creating, sending, or looking at a text, email, social media post, photo, video or similar, the penalty increases to $1,000.
Similarly to NSW, L and P-plate drivers in the Northern Territory are not allowed to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while driving. Even connecting your mobile phone through Bluetooth or a USB cable is not allowed, effectively ruling out mobile phone use entirely while driving as an L or P-plater.
If you're caught using your mobile phone in any of these ways, you could face a fine of $500 and 3 demerit points.
The only exemption is if the car is stationary and located somewhere other than a marked lane or line of traffic on the road. In this case, L and P-plate drivers are allowed to use their mobile phones.
In Tasmania, L and P1 drivers are not allowed to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while driving. However, playing music or using GPS is allowed, as long as the phone is set up before you start driving and you do not interact with it in any way while on the road. Drivers who fail to follow these rules can face a $390 fine and 3 demerit points.
P2 drivers have more flexibility and are permitted to use their mobile phone in hands-free or speaker mode.
Similarly to Tasmania, L and P-plate drivers in the ACT are not allowed to use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto while driving. However, playing music or using GPS is allowed, as long as the phone is set up before you start driving and you do not interact with it in any way while on the road. Drivers who fail to follow these rules can face a $514 fine and 3 demerit points.
