Motorists will not be allowed to touch mobile phones while driving unless the phones are secured, under new tighter road regulations.
The change is one of a number of revisions to the road rules which will come into force on November 1.
From next month drivers in a moving or stationary (but not parked) car will not be able to make or receive calls unless their phone is secured in a fixed mounting or is hands-free.
The fine for breaking this rule will be $298 and three demerit points (or $397 and four demerit points in a school zone).
Roads and Maritime Services Centre for Road Safety general manager Marg Prendergast said the new laws were designed to further discourage people using their phones while driving.
"Holding your mobile phone while talking and driving is already illegal but these changes will mean you cannot touch your phone unless it is mounted," Ms Prendergast said.
"Using a mobile phone while driving is dangerous, because it slows reaction times and increases the chance of having a crash."
While the rules do allow for hands-free use of phones, Ms Prendergast cautioned against making any calls while behind the wheel.
"The best thing to do is stay off your phone while driving - it can wait," she said.
Other rules include a ban on any GPS devices that are not "secured in a fixed mounting", a requirement to indicate when leaving, as well as entering, a roundabout and giving way to pedestrians when turning at an intersection.
"The majority of these changes are minor and will help highlight the current laws and others are changes we all need to be aware of to increase safety and improve traffic movement on the road," Ms Prendergast said.
"The new rules will also bring us into line with Australian Road Rules changes so there is consistency across the country for all road users."
For more information on the rule changes visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au.
