Motorists are given an urgent warning ahead of the introduction of digital driver’s licences – as they could unknowingly be breaking the law

ALANA MAZZONI
4 July 2019
DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

NSW drivers can be fined for picking up their phone when pulled over by police

The warning comes ahead of next month’s statewide roll out of digital licenses

Phones are only to be pulled out after police’s instructions when pulled over

Drivers in New South Wales could soon be fined for picking up their phone after getting pulled over by police.

Motorists are being warned ahead of next month’s statewide roll out of digital licenses.

Service NSW is urging drivers not to grab their phone immediately after being pulled over, until or unless they are instructed to do so by police.

‘As per current NSW road rules, motorists are not permitted to touch their smartphone or device to access their Digital Driver Licence until they are requested to do so by NSW Police,’ a spokesperson told 7 News.

They say that drivers can be penalised significantly if they break the new law. 

While plastic licences should still be kept handy in case drivers are pulled over, fines or penalties won’t be handed out if it’s forgotten. 

‘The Digital Driver Licence is a legal form of ID and should be accepted on its own,’ a spokesperson said.

Drivers are also being reminded to make sure their mobile phone is charged enough to present their digital license to police, and screens have no cracks. 

Adults over the age of 18 can use their new licenses to get into pubs and other venues, and there’s no plans to phase out plastic licenses completely.