Western Australia is installing new mobile phone detection cameras across Perth in an effort to combat distracted driving and reduce road deaths. Beginning on Australia Day 2025, six portable and two fixed cameras will go live across the city, with enforcement starting in April 2025 after a three-month grace period.
Dylan Anderson
How the Cameras Work
The cameras use AI-based detection technology to scan for distracted drivers, identifying whether motorists are holding mobile phones, other objects, or failing to wear seatbelts. The system captures high-resolution images, which are later reviewed by WA Police. A fine is only issued after police confirmation of the offence.
This rollout follows multiple trials, including one on the Kwinana Freeway, which showed alarming results. A six-month pilot in 2022 detected 66,000 drivers using mobile phones, while a more recent trial revealed:
- 24,000 drivers using phones behind the wheel
- 20,000 occupants not wearing seatbelts
- Several instances of passengers holding unrestrained babies
Penalties for Offences
Once enforcement begins in April 2025, drivers caught using a phone face fines of up to $1,000 and four demerit points. Seatbelt offences and other distractions may also result in penalties depending on the nature of the breach and existing traffic regulations.
Addressing a Culture of Distraction
Western Australia recorded 182 road deaths in 2024, the state’s worst fatality toll since 2016. Authorities attribute a significant portion of these deaths to the ‘Fatal 5’ road behaviours—one of which is driver distraction. The introduction of these cameras is part of a broader push to change driving habits and reduce preventable road trauma.
Dylan Anderson
Government agencies involved in the rollout emphasise that this technology is not just about enforcement but about giving drivers a reason to adjust their behaviour. During the initial grace period, drivers detected committing offences will receive caution notices instead of fines.
Key Points:
- Cameras begin operating on 26 January 2025
- No fines will be issued until April 2025
- Targets include phone use, unrestrained passengers, and seatbelt non-compliance
- WA recorded its highest road toll in eight years in 2024
Western Australia joins other states like New South Wales and Queensland in using technology-driven approaches to combat road risks. The new cameras are part of a broader strategy to improve road safety across the state through deterrence, education, and enforcement.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. For official road safety guidelines and camera locations, visit the WA Road Safety Commission or Main Roads WA.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
