When is it safe to use your mobile phone while driving?

Using a mobile phone while driving poses significant dangers as it can distract the driver, leading to increased risk of accidents. In New South Wales, it is indeed illegal to use a mobile phone while driving unless specific conditions are met, such as using a hands-free device. This strict regulation is in place to promote roadway safety and ensure that drivers remain focused on their primary task—operating the vehicle.

By establishing that it's never safe to use a phone while driving, the law reinforces the idea that any form of phone usage can potentially divert attention from the road, reactiveness to traffic situations, and overall safe driving practices. Therefore, even if a driver is at a stop, such as at a red light, it can be tempting to check their phone, but this too can lead to distractions that persist once the vehicle is in motion.

The other scenarios listed may seem harmless, but they all carry inherent risks associated with distraction that the law aims to mitigate. This ensures that all drivers maintain their full attention on driving, contributing to a safer driving environment for everyone on the road.