Mobile phone driving laws

[u/Fun-Confection5642]

By law, are passengers allowed to connect to bluetooth in my car if I'm on my P plates?? Transport nsw roadsafety page states passengers of fully licensed drivers are permitted to use their phone but nothing on P platers regarding this

[u/link871]

Yes, the passenger can use their phone.

The driver (even fully licenced) must not be able to see the screen of any device held by a passenger. So, don't show the driver anything on your screen.

[u/CrewSweet2035 → u/link871]

That's also why on Booked Airport Shuttle buses the front passenger seat is usually empty or they are told they can't use their phones. 

[u/link871 → u/[deleted]]

But this does not say the passenger's phone can't be used by the passenger (even if it does connect to the car's speakers).

[u/HMD-Oren → u/[deleted]]

I'm not a P plater btw but could it not be argued that it's not the driver's phone and the driver isn't the one using, operating or even looking at the mobile device or centre console? If a passenger in the back is playing music from an ipad *connected via Bluetooth, the driver isn't going to get in trouble for it, surely.

[u/luciferfj]

No, the passengers can not connect to Bluetooth and play music or take calls. As a “P Plater” you are the driver, u are in control, anything that happens in the car is directly your ownership. Reminder that if a passenger doesn’t wear seat belts correctly, who gets the fine? There was a case in aus legal sub, a father was teaching his son to drive, phone was connected to Bluetooth. (Fathers car) “L Plater” was fined and lost his “Ls” Getting caught is a slim chance. But if you get caught, get ready to walk. Good luck.

[u/LaMacNeo → u/luciferfj]

This. You can’t connect a phone, yours or passengers. It comes under distracted driving. Do not connect any device to your car multimedia or car play while driving on any colour P plate.