Handling your mobile phone while driving is now illegal in NSW, but you can still use your phone to take calls and play music if you can operate it hands-free, or if it’s secured in a commercially-made cradle.

You must not hold a mobile phone in your hand while driving, other than to pass the phone to a passenger.

And you are not allowed to use your mobile for other functions like texting, emailing, and video messages.

If you’re using your mobile phone for GPS, then again the phone must be secured by an approved cradle that does not distract you or obscure your view of the road.

The laws apply while your vehicle is moving or stationary (but not parked). So you can still use your mobile phone normally, if you have pulled over and parked by the side of the road.

P1 and Learner drivers are not allowed to use mobile phones at all while driving.

The penalty for illegal mobile phone use is three demerit points (or four if the offence occurs in a school zone) and a fine.

You can find more information on what the laws says on mobile phones and driving here.