Australia’s mobile phone driving laws punish drivers for using their phones while stopped at traffic lights — even though crash‑risk studies show danger occurs when vehicles are in motion. Enforcement cameras are overwhelmingly placed at intersections, catching very low‑risk behaviour while missing the real danger: phone use while driving.

The Problem:

• Current laws treat stationary drivers at red lights the same as moving drivers.
• Research shows crash risk increases fourfold when phones are used while driving, but there is zero evidence of increased risk when stationary.
• Enforcement cameras at intersections encourage drivers to shift phone use into motion, where risk is highest.
• Penalties are escalating, but the flawed enforcement design remains unchanged.

Proposed Solution:
We call on Australian governments to:

• Commission independent studies into crash risk while stationary.
• Allow limited, safe phone use when vehicles are stopped at lights or in traffic jams.
• Redesign enforcement to target phone use while vehicles are moving, not stationary.
• Build public trust by aligning laws with evidence, not just revenue collection.

This is not about excusing unsafe behaviour — it’s about smarter laws that genuinely reduce risk. Australia can lead the world by breaking from a flawed global approach and designing evidence‑based rules that save lives without punishing drivers unfairly.