<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It's a bad habit many Australians are guilty of; driving with a phone in their lap.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Some Australians even use it as an excuse to try to get out of mobile phone fines, claiming the phone was in their lap and not their hand.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>What many don't realise is that even though they're not touching the phone with their hands, they're still breaking the law.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>HAPPENING NOW:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/israeli-president-visit-to-australia-huge-protests-expected/40b56f1b-3d34-4f03-bf25-282d4937abb0" target="_blank"><strong><span>Israeli president arrives in Australia under heavy security</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Using or touching a phone with any part of your body is illegal in all Australian states and territories, and is punishable by more than $1200 in fines in one state.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>That includes resting a phone on your lap, leg, or between your shoulder and ear.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It is still illegal even if you are stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/fine-for-using-mobile-phone-while-driving-australia-device-in-lap-explainer/0a66e482-73d8-4cdb-baeb-77b1cb499a44" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Fines and penalties for mobile phone offences in each state and territory are as follows:</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><ul><li><strong><span>NSW:</span></strong><span> fines start at $423 and five demerit points</span></li><li><strong><span>Queensland:</span></strong><span> $1,251 fine and four demerit points</span></li><li><strong><span>Victoria:</span></strong><span> $611 fine and four demerit points</span></li><li><strong><span>ACT:</span></strong><span> $548 fine to $674 and three to four demerit points</span></li><li><strong><span>SA:</span></strong><span> $658 fine and three demerit points</span></li><li><strong><span>WA:</span></strong><span> $500 fine to $1000 and four demerit points</span></li><li><strong><span>NT:</span></strong><span> $500 fine and three demerit points</span></li><li><strong><span>Tasmania:</span></strong><span> $410 fine and three demerit points</span></li></ul></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/parkville-melbourne-road-rage-attack-e-scooter/b42a26ca-2212-4137-b021-a5369ab28cd5" target="_blank"><strong><span>E-scooter rider punches tradie in road rage attack</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>There are a few very limited circumstances in which drivers can touch or operate a mobile while driving, but while it's resting in a driver's lap isn't one of them.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Fully licenced drivers may use a phone for a few specific things if it is secured in a cradle, or can be operated hands-free (e.g. voice control).</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>If operating a phone in a cradle, the cradle must be fixed to the vehicle and must not obscure the driver's view of the road.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/cyclone-mitchell-forecast-campsite-mines-evacuated-as-cyclone-approaches-coast/dc27c584-7921-45ef-a0fa-e010244f5868" target="_blank"><strong><span>Coastal communities brace for landfall as Cyclone Mitchell bears down</span></strong></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A phone in a cradle or being operated hands-free can only legally be used to take or receive audio calls and use music or audio functions like navigation systems.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The only other situation in which it is legal for a driver to touch a phone is if they're passing it to a passenger.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Thousands of NSW drivers attempted to dodge mobile phone fines last year using bizarre excuses, like claiming the item they were caught holding was a </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/front-to-kerb-parking-fine-sydney-council-signage/13e8841c-050c-4a36-9bb4-6d3929cb6585" rel="" target="_blank" title="KitKat or calculator."><span>KitKat or calculator.</span></a></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><em><span>NEVER MISS A STORY:</span></em></strong><span> </span><strong><em><span>Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.</span></em></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><ul><li><strong><em><span>Download the 9NEWS App 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