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The mobile phone driving rules which may surprise you

Transport for NSW has released a video warning drivers about little-known rules when it comes to your mobile phone.

For instance, did you know you can’t have the phone resting on your leg or any part of your body while driving?

The video rounds up common driving habits, which are illegal in New South Wales and reveals that it is illegal to touch a phone with any part of your body while driving.

“While driving, a mobile phone cannot rest on your leg, be between your shoulder or ear, or any other part of your body,” the video said.

However, a mobile phone can be used while driving if it is secured in a “commercially manufactured and designed mounting that is fixed to the vehicle and doesn’t obscure your view of the road”.

Did you know you can’t have the phone resting on your leg or any part of your body while driving? Source: Getty
Did you know you can’t have the phone resting on your leg or any part of your body while driving? Source: Getty

But touching the phone while it is in a mounting can also attract fines. The only acceptable way to use a mobile phone while driving a vehicle is to use bluetooth or voice activation.

It is strictly forbidden to text, video message or email while operating a moving vehicle.

“[A mobile phone] must not be used for text messaging, video messaging, emailing or similar activities,” the video said.

While many drivers pull over to the side of the road in order to send a text message, this is also against the rules unless they are in a specific parking spot and have switched the engine off.

“Drivers can only use a handheld mobile phone if their vehicle is parked in an authorised parking spot with the engine turned off,” the video said.

The video also states that in New South Wales, using a handheld mobile phone while stopped at traffic lights is forbidden.

In a final word of warning, Transport for NSW states the rules are even stricter for Learner, Provisional P1 and Provisional P2 drivers.

These drivers “must not use any function of a mobile phone while driving or when the ignition is on”.