Texts, calls, maps and music — the temptation for drivers to reach for their mobile phones while behind the wheel can sometimes prove overwhelming.

But even switching a call to loudspeaker could lead to major penalties, with some drivers saying they are blindsided by the road rules.

Under a Queensland Government crackdown, motorists caught using their mobile phone could be slapped with a $1,000 on-the-spot fine.

The new penalty more than doubles the current fine of $400 and would make it the harshest in the country.

Drivers caught a second time for the same offence could lose their license altogether.

With safety — and demerit points — on the line, drivers have been urged to brush up on the rules restricting mobile phone use on the roads.

When you can and can't check your phone

Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal — even if you're stopped at lights or in congested traffic.

This includes:

Turning your phone on or off

Turning your phone on or off Making and receiving calls or sending and reading text messages

Making and receiving calls or sending and reading text messages Operating any function on your phone — including picking a song, entering a destination or switching your phone to loudspeaker

"Any time that phone is in your hand you are technically breaking the rules," RACQ spokesperson Lauren Ritchie said.

You can only use a hand held phone in a car if you are legally parked.



"Parking is defined as making a vehicle stop and stay — it doesn't specify whether the engine is running or not," Ms Ritchie said.

"We would say being stopped in a safe place with the car in park, or neutral if you're in a manual car, with your handbrake on, is a good indication to police that you have intended to stay there for a period of time."

According to the State Government drivers can install a mobile phone on a mounting bracket on the windscreen, but it must not obscure the view of the road.

What counts as 'hands-free' driving?

What you'll be fined if you text and drive: State Current fine SA $534 Vic $484 ACT $470 Qld $400 WA $400 NSW $337 NT $250 Tas $326 *In some states there are higher fines for Learner drivers or in school zones

Drivers are permitted to talk on the phone through hands-free or Bluetooth functions.

You can use your phone on loudspeaker, provided you don't touch the device while you are driving.

Ms Ritchie said drivers should adopt a "set and forget" mindset.

"If you are using your phone for GPS or even setting a playlist and putting some music on or a podcast, set it before you get on the road and forget it," she said.

Drivers can also be penalised for the behaviour of their passengers.

A New South Wales woman was fined $337 last month because one of her passengers was using FaceTime.

"That can occur here in Queensland, even down to kids with DVD players in the back of cars — if they are a distraction to the vehicle behind you, you could potentially get fined by that," Ms Ritchie said.

P-plate driver? The requirements are stricter

For provisional drivers, the restrictions around mobile phone use are even tougher.

Learner and P1 (red plate) license holders cannot use loudspeaker functions, hands-free kits or wireless handsets at all.

Even passengers in the car are prohibited from putting their phone on loudspeaker, due to fears it could distract the driver.

The restrictions do not apply to P2 (green plate) provisional drivers.

What happens if you're caught?

The Queensland Government's proposed $1,000 fine will be considered at a Driver Distraction National Summit in Brisbane this week.

Until changes are made, drivers spotted using their phones can be fined $400 and have three demerit points added to their traffic history.

Ms Ritchie said penalties for certain infringements would depend on police.

"There's always going to be a level of grey area in these rules and it can be up to police discretion," she said.

The State Government said about 50,000 fines had been issued over the past three years to drivers caught on their phones.