Do you have a habit of using your phone while driving? Check this to avoid big legal trouble and fines up to $1200 in multiple states; key details inside

Using or touching their phone while driving can land a person in trouble, as it is considered illegal in several Australian states and territories. If someone is found guilty, they can be punished, ending up attracting a fine of more than $1200 in one state.

It also includes driving with a phone in the lap, and this can no longer be done to get out of mobile phone fines by claiming the phone was in their lap and not their hand. It is pertinent to note that even if the phone is in the lap and not touched with your hands, it is still against the law even if you are stopped at traffic lights or stuck in traffic, according to 9News.

Resting a phone on your lap or leg, or holding it between your shoulder and ear, is still considered illegal.

Fines and penalties for mobile phone offences in each state and territory are as follows:

• NSW: fines start at $423 and five demerit points
• Queensland: $1,251 fine and four demerit points
• Victoria: $611 fine and four demerit points
• ACT: $548 fine to $674 and three to four demerit points
• SA: $658 fine and three demerit points
• WA: $500 to $1000 fine and four demerit points
• NT: $500 fine and three demerit points
• Tasmania: $410 fine and three demerit points

Which situations will not be considered illegal?

According to 9News, there are very few circumstances in which drivers can touch or operate a mobile while driving. These do not include resting the phone in a driver's lap.

• Fully licensed drivers may use a phone for a few specific things if it is secured in a cradle or can be operated hands-free (e.g., voice control).
• If operating a phone in a cradle, the cradle must be fixed to the vehicle and must not obscure the driver's view of the road .
• A phone in a cradle or being operated hands-free can only legally be used to take or receive audio calls and use music or audio functions like navigation systems.
• The only other situation in which it is legal for a driver to touch a phone is if they're passing it to a passenger.