The Queensland Government have announced tougher penalties for motorists caught using their mobile phone while driving.
Effective from Saturday 1 February 2020, the current penalty of a $400 fine and 3 demerit points will increase to a $1000 fine and 4 demerit points.
Double demerit points already apply to motorists caught using their mobile phone while driving for the second time in a 12 month period.
However, these new changes will result in a further $1000 fine and an additional 8 demerit points for the second offence.
Any Open licence holding Queensland motorist will lose their licence if they accumulate 12 demerit points in a 3 year period.
Learner and Provisional drivers will lose their licence if they accumulate 4 demerit points in a 1 year period.
How can you avoid this?
Well if you hold a Learner or P1 licence, or if you are under 25 years of age, the answer is leave your mobile phone at home.
Learner and P1 licence holders, and those aged under 25, are prohibited from using any type of hands free set up or even the phone's own built in loudspeaker.
If you are a P2 or Open licence holder, you are permitted to use a properly installed hands free kit.
What happens if you do lose your licence?
If eligible, you may be able to apply for a Special Hardship Licence, which will permit you to continue driving for work purposes during any license suspension period.
If you need help with a Mobile Phone infringement or licence suspension or disqualification in Brisbane or Queensland call the Brisbane Drink Driving Lawyer team today on 1300090210 or click here to submit an online enquiry.