New mobile phone detection cameras went live in Adelaide on 19 September 2024. In the first week, over 2,500 fines were issued to people using their mobile phones while driving. They will fork out $1.67 million in fines and get 3 demerit points.
Detection cameras go live
The state’s new mobile phone detection cameras went live on 19 September after a 3-month grace period.
In the first week, 2,544 expiation notices were issued to people illegally using their phones while driving. These fines are worth $1.67 million. Compare this to the 5 years before detection cameras, when over 31,000 offenders paid $13 million in fines.
As well as paying the expiation fee and Victims of Crime levy, offenders also accrue 3 demerit points on their licence.
Warning letters only
During the 3-month grace period, 68,252 motorists caught breaking the law received warning letters only. About 12.5 million cars had passed through 5 cameras across 13 lanes on these roads:
- North South Motorway in Regency Park (the worst so far)
- Port Road in Hindmarsh
- Port Wakefield Road in Gepps Cross
- Southern Expressway in Darlington
- South Road in Torrensville.
The cameras had recorded at least one phone-using motorist less than every 2 minutes. This was as many times in one month as in the past 5 years.
Fines for using your mobile phone
As at October 2024:
|
Use mobile phone while driving |
Expiation fee |
Victims of Crime levy |
Demerit points |
|
Adult |
$556 |
$102 |
3 |
|
Under 18 |
$556 |
$20 |
3 |
Over one million speeding fines
In 5 years since 2019, motorists have received 1,008,709 speeding fines and paid out over $417 million.
During 2023, speeding offences were actually the highest in 10 years.
Speeding motorists received 202,358 fines. Some speeders were caught by the police and some by mobile and fixed speed cameras. Police detected 46,307, the highest number since 2013, and speed cameras detected the rest.
As well as paying the expiation fee and Victims of Crime levy, offenders also accrue 2 to 9 demerit points on their licence.
Heavy fines for speeding in SA
As at October 2024:
|
Offence |
Expiation fee* |
Victims of Crime levy* |
Demerit points |
|
By under 10 kph |
$202 |
$102 |
2 |
|
By 10-20 kph |
$455 |
$102 |
3 |
|
By 20-30 kph |
$926 |
$102 |
5 |
|
By 30-45 kph |
$1,684 |
$102 |
7 |
|
By 45+ kph + loss of licence for 6 months, wheel clamp or impound vehicle |
$1,895 |
$102 |
9 |
|
* Levy is $20 if under 18. |
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