Little-known road rule catches out driver
One NSW L-plater has been caught out by a little-known road rule most new drivers may not be aware of.
The 20-year-old driver was stopped by Mount Druitt highway patrol about 5.35pm on March 30 in Eastern Creek, in Sydney’s west, after he was allegedly caught driving 34km/h above the speed limit.
But that wouldn’t be the only offence the young driver would be nabbed for.
Police discovered the driver of the black Honda had his mobile phone in a cradle displaying maps, a set-up many drivers have in their car.
However, NSW Police said while fully licensed drivers were allowed to use phone cradles, the same rules didn’t apply for learners and provisional drivers.
“Learners and provisional drivers are not permitted to have any use of a mobile phone while driving, including for the purpose of maps,” NSW Police said.
L and P-plate drivers are permitted to “use the mobile phone wallet function to make a transaction, show a coupon or access an area” as long as their vehicle is stationary in an area such as a carpark, driveway or drive through, according to a NSW government website.
Learners and provisional drivers are also allowed to use their phone to display their driver’s licence when requested by police.
The driver was also caught driving without a fully licensed driver and without L plates.
He was handed 22 demerit points and his licence was suspended on the spot for three months.
