Ruqayyah Snyder
In Australia, mounting a phone in a car typically involves using a phone holder or car cradle. While there is no rule explicitly stating where on the windscreen a phone can be mounted, it is crucial to adhere to guidelines and regulations to ensure safety and compliance with the law. The placement of a phone mount should not obstruct the driver's view or compromise safety, and it is important to use a secure holder to prevent the phone from becoming a distraction. Learner and provisional drivers have stricter rules, with most states prohibiting any phone use while driving, even with a mounted device.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Phone mount location | Windscreen, dashboard, air vent, cup holder, seat rail |
| Phone mount type | Suction cups, adhesives, friction pads, magnetic |
| Phone mount safety | No obstruction to driver's view, mirrors, dashboard controls, or airbag deployment |
| Phone mount legality | Allowed for fully licensed drivers under certain conditions; prohibited for learners and provisional drivers |
| Phone usage | No video calls, texting, emailing, or social media apps while driving |
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What You'll Learn
Laws and restrictions for different driver categories
In Australia, laws and restrictions for phone usage while driving vary based on the driver's licence type and the state they are in. Here are the key restrictions for different driver categories:
Learner and Provisional Drivers (P1 and P2 Licence Holders):
- Learner and P1 licence holders are banned from using their phones while driving, even if the phone is mounted or in a hands-free cradle. This restriction is nationwide and extends to their passengers, who are also prohibited from using the phone's loudspeaker function.
- P2 licence holders may have more flexibility, depending on the state. For example, in Queensland, they are allowed to touch their phones for hands-free use if the phone is in a cradle attached to the vehicle.
Fully Licensed Drivers:
- Fully licensed drivers are generally permitted to use their phones for calls, music, and navigation, but only if the phone is mounted or in a cradle and can be operated hands-free.
- They must ensure the phone is affixed to the vehicle and does not obstruct their view.
- Texting, video calling, and scrolling through social media are prohibited.
- Penalties for non-compliance vary by state but can include fines and demerit points.
State-Specific Variations:
- In Victoria, the fine for using a phone illegally while driving is $545, and four demerit points are incurred.
- In Queensland, the fine is $1,161, and four demerit points are incurred.
- In Western Australia, drivers can only touch their phones to make, receive, or end calls if the phone is in a cradle. They cannot skip songs or adjust navigation, even with a mounted phone. The penalty for non-compliance is a $500 fine and three demerit points, increasing to $1,000 and four demerit points for creating or viewing messages, emails, or social media.
- In Tasmania, the penalty for non-compliance is a $390 fine and three demerit points.
- The ACT has introduced a mobile phone ban, with fines of $632 and four demerit points for sending messages or accessing the internet, and $514 and three demerit points for other phone usage.
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Mounting on the windscreen
In Australia, mounting a phone on the windscreen is not explicitly prohibited, but there are rules and guidelines to follow. The key point is that the phone must not obstruct the driver's view. Rule 297 (2) of the Road Rules 2014 states that a driver must have a clear view of the road and traffic ahead, behind, and to each side. This means that placing a phone in a holder directly in front of the driver, especially with a dangling cord, could still be considered an obstruction.
To ensure safety and comply with the law, it is crucial to minimise distractions and maintain full control of the vehicle while on the road. It is recommended to check local regulations and guidelines specific to your area, as each state may have slightly differing rules. For example, learners and provisional drivers (P1 and P2) are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, even if it is mounted in a legally allowed position. This restriction also applies to their passengers, who cannot use the loudspeaker function to make calls.
When mounting a phone on the windscreen, it is important to consider the placement carefully. It is recommended to mount the phone as far down on the windscreen as possible to limit obstructions to the driver's field of view. Ideally, the phone should be mounted towards the centre of the windscreen, to the left of the driver. If this is not possible, the next best location is the far-right bottom corner of the windscreen. These locations ensure that the phone does not block the driver's view of the road and traffic.
Additionally, it is essential to use a quality phone holder that meets certain standards. The holder should securely attach the phone to prevent it from falling or dislodging during drives, which can be a distraction. If the phone is being charged, ensure that the cord does not dangle loosely or interfere with the driver's view and control of the vehicle.
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Dashboard mounts
In Australia, it is prohibited to hold a mobile phone while driving, but you are allowed to use a phone mounted in a device holder under certain conditions. The phone must be securely mounted in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle, and it should not obstruct the driver's view.
When choosing a dashboard mount, it is important to consider the size and weight of your phone. Some dashboard mounts use suction cups or adhesives, which can leave marks on your dashboard. Others may snap into the seams of the dashboard for a more secure fit. You should also ensure that the mount is adjustable, allowing you to rotate, tilt, or extend the holder to find the most comfortable and visible position for your phone.
There are several reputable brands that offer dashboard mounts for phones, including ProClip and iOttie. ProClip offers custom-fit dashboard mounts that are designed for the exact make, model, and year of your car. iOttie's dash and windshield mount has a motion sensor that opens and closes its arms to hold your phone, wireless charging, and an adjustable foot to fit larger phones.
It is important to note that the placement of your phone mount should not obstruct your view of the road or interfere with airbag deployment in the event of a crash. Always follow local regulations and guidelines when mounting a phone in your car.
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Cup holder mounts
In Australia, holding a mobile phone while driving is prohibited across all states and territories. However, using a phone mounted in a device holder is allowed under certain conditions. For example, the phone must not obstruct the driver's view, and the driver must not touch any part of the phone. Learner and provisional drivers are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, even if it is mounted.
However, cup holder mounts may not be suitable for all cars. In some vehicles, the cup holders may be located in inconvenient or hard-to-reach places, making a cup holder phone mount less practical. Additionally, using a cup holder mount means sacrificing the use of that cup holder for drinks or other items.
When choosing a cup holder mount, look for one with a strong grip and adjustable features. The Mega Grip Car Cup Holder Phone Mount, for example, has a unique spring-loaded side-arm mechanism that ensures a secure grip and makes installing or removing smartphones effortless. It also comes with a lock and two master keys for added security. The mount is adjustable, allowing for both portrait and landscape viewing, and the double-ball shaft arm provides additional adjustments for the optimum viewing angle.
Overall, cup holder mounts are a convenient and stable option for mounting your phone in your car, as long as your cup holders are located in a convenient place. Just be sure to follow all local laws and regulations regarding phone use and mounting while driving.
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Air vent mounts
In Australia, mounting a phone in your car is a useful way to avoid breaking laws prohibiting the handling of mobile phones while driving. While there are several places to mount a phone in a car, air vent mounts are a popular option as they do not hinder any views of the dashboard while keeping your phone at eye level.
When using a phone mount, it is essential that the holder meets quality standards to prevent the phone from dislodging and becoming a distraction. If the phone is being charged, ensure the cord does not dangle loosely or interfere with your driving.
To install an air vent mount, follow these steps:
- Clean the air vent to ensure that the mount adheres properly and securely.
- Loosen the clamp of the air vent mount by turning the knob counterclockwise.
- Insert the mount into the air vent blade.
- Tighten the clamp by turning the knob clockwise until it is secure.
- Adjust the angle of the mount by loosening the ball joint and moving it to the desired position.
- Place your phone on the mount, ensuring it is securely attached.
It is important to note that, for learner and provisional drivers, the rules are stricter. They are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, even if it is in a legally mounted holder. This restriction also applies to their passengers, who are prohibited from using the phone's loudspeaker function to make calls.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no rule that explicitly states where on the windscreen mobile phones can be positioned. However, the mount must not obstruct the driver's view of the road, mirrors, or dashboard controls. The phone must be secured in a commercially designed holder. Some recommended locations include the lower right corner or the centre of the windscreen, below eye level, or in a cup holder.
In Australia, holding a mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited across all states and territories. However, using a phone mounted in a device holder is allowed under certain conditions. The phone must be securely mounted in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle and must not obstruct the driver's view. Learner and provisional drivers are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, even if it is mounted.
There are several types of phone mounts available, including cup holder mounts, air vent mounts, dashboard mounts, windshield mounts, and seat rail mounts. Cup holder mounts are considered the best option as they keep the phone in front of you while driving and are easy to install. However, they may not be suitable for all cars depending on the location of the cup holders. Other options include suction cup mounts and magnetic mounts, but these require flat surfaces and may not support larger phones.
Avoid placing the mount directly in the driver's line of sight, near airbags, central vents, or the steering wheel. Also, ensure that the mount does not interfere with airbag inflation or vehicle safety features. Improper mounting can jeopardise insurance claims and result in fines or demerit points.
