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Belt up and phone down while driving

By Corowa Free Press

Mar 4, 2026

Changes to NSW camera detection program started last Sunday bringing it up to full capacity.

NSW motorists are reminded to follow the road rules when it comes to using their mobile phone and wearing a seatbelt, with changes to the state’s camera detection program starting last Sunday.

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Transport for NSW’s transportable mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras will now operate to their full capability of bi-directional coverage on single lane roads.

Until now they only checked up to two lanes of traffic travelling in one direction.

Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said the mobile phone camera program has made a significant impact in the road safety space, with seatbelt offences added in 2024.

“One in 1,300 vehicles checked by these cameras in 2025 had someone breaking seatbelt laws,” Mr Murray said.

“One in 1,200 were caught using their mobile phone illegally, compared to as many as one in 400 when we first started camera enforcement of mobile phone offences.

“We know lives have been saved as people change their behaviours in response to awareness and education, with seatbelt use and distractions through phone use featuring as key contributors to the road toll.

“As is the case with all camera infringements, all fines go towards funding more road safety programs.”

The expansion of the transportable cameras will take six months to roll-out.