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New South Wales Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Cameras Gain Bi-Directional Capability

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New South Wales Enhances Roadside Camera Capabilities

Starting March 1, New South Wales (NSW) mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras will operate at full bi-directional capacity on single-lane roads. This enhancement doubles the monitoring capability of existing cameras.

Previously, these cameras were restricted to monitoring up to two lanes traveling in one direction. The update responds to a 12 percent increase in vehicle registrations across the state, from 6.7 million to 7.5 million, according to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) Secretary Josh Murray.

NSW's roadside cameras are expanding their capabilities, now operating bi-directionally on single-lane roads from March 1 to double monitoring capacity.

Impact and Program Overview

NSW currently has 10 transportable mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras. The program, which began with mobile phone detection almost seven years ago and added seatbelt offenses in 2024, aims to check each registered vehicle in NSW an average of at least 20 times annually.

Data from 2025 indicates that approximately one in every 1,300 vehicles checked by these cameras had a seatbelt offense, while around one in every 1,200 were detected using a mobile phone illegally. This represents a reduction from one in every 400 cars when initial enforcement for mobile phone offenses began.

Murray stated that the program has contributed to saving lives by influencing driver behavior regarding seatbelt use and phone distractions, which are significant contributors to the road toll. The rollout of this expanded capability will commence in March and is anticipated to take about six months to complete. Fixed mobile phone and seatbelt cameras will not undergo changes.

Penalties and Revenue

Revenue generated from infringements issued by these cameras will be allocated to road safety initiatives. In NSW, the penalties for offenses are as follows:

  • Illegal mobile phone use: A $423 fine (or $562 in a school zone) and 5 demerit points. Demerit points increase to 10 during double demerit periods.
  • Incorrect seatbelt wearing: A $423 fine and 3 demerit points.