Queensland driver fined for resting phone on lap while driving in Brisbane

A driver who was fined $1,033 for resting his phone in his lap while driving claims he didn’t know it was against the law.

The man has shared a video of the fine and four demerit points he received after a Brisbane traffic camera caught him with his phone in January.

The fine states that his offense was ‘driver uses mobile phone / placed on body’ and shows a photo of the man with the phone in his lap.

“It was a red light and I thought it would be okay. It’s a lost mate,’ he wrote.

Putting a mobile phone on your body while driving is illegal under Queensland traffic laws, even when the driver isn’t looking at it or touching it.

“To ensure your safety and that of other road users, your full attention is required when driving,” the Queensland Government website says.

“It is illegal to hold a cell phone in your hand or rest it on any part of your body, such as your knees, while driving. This applies even if you are stopped in traffic.

“The phone does not need to be on or in use for this to be an offence.”

Commentators were divided by the fine, some shocked, while others insisted it was a well-known rule.

“Phone on lap is crazy fine,” one wrote.

“Using your phone… you know the rules then cry when you get caught,” another added.

The man was fined $1,033 for resting his mobile phone on his lap in Brisbane, Queensland