New South Wales drivers caught using their mobile phones over the Easter long weekend will lose 10 demerit points and cop a $448 fine - the harshest penalty of any Australian state or territory.
The state is one of four to apply double demerit points over the break, in a bid to discourage motorists from illegal phone use while driving.
Other than last year, mobile phone-related offences in NSW have been steadily rising over the last few years, with 41,000 drivers caught out in 2017.
About 110 offences are recorded daily in the state, but that figure is expected to rise dramatically when drivers busted by Sydney's detection cameras start receiving fines from this month.
Victoria Police vehicle, Melbourne, Australia. Source: Getty Images
The detection camera trial has been catching about 800 offenders a day.
It is against the law to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving, even if the driver is stopped in traffic.
Mobiles can only be used to make or receive phone calls if the connection or is secured in a cradle.
In South Australia, research suggests two-in-five drivers illegally use their phone at least occasionally while driving, and well-educated drivers under 30 are the most likely offenders.
A woman talking on her phone while driving. Source: AAP
Eight per cent of the 413 respondents admitted regularly lowering their phone to below the steering wheel to avoid detection, according to a University of South Australia report.
Penalties for phone misuse over Easter:
*NSW: 10 demerit points, $448 fine
*ACT: eight demerit points, $577 fine
*WA: six demerit points, $400 fine
*QLD: six demerit points, $391 fine
*VIC: four demerit points, $484 fine
*SA: three demerit points, $334 fine
*TAS: three demerit points, $326 fine
*NT: three demerit points, $250 fine
