Drivers facing heavy fines if caught using a mobile phone by hidden cameras

Motorists in NSW could face hefty fines if they’re caught by hidden cameras using mobile phones when driving from Sunday.

A three-month grace period for mobile phone detection cameras was slated to end this weekend – with drivers set to lose five demerit points and a $344 fine, or a $457 fine if caught in a school zone.

However, Transport for New South Wales would not confirm to nine.com.au if the trial period will end on Saturday as proposed when approached for comment.

On December 1 last year fixed and transportable trailer-mounted cameras were turned at 45 locations for the three-month trial. Drivers caught received a warning notice but no penalty or loss of points.

A spokeswoman for Transport NSW said figures for the number of people detected by the cameras during the test period are unavailable.

The detection cameras photograph all passing cars, with a computer then identifying drivers who have a phone in their hand.

Drawing on artificial intelligence (AI) technology, they can operate in all weather conditions including fog and rainy weather.

The system will ultimately check 123 million cars every year. They nabbed 3303 drivers breaking the law in the seven days after the cameras were activated on December 1.

Based on numbers from a recent trial, it’s estimated that more than 1 million drivers will be caught every year, attracting up to $348 million worth of fines

There are some exemptions for drivers including using a phone in a cradle with Bluetooth, handling a phone while passing it to a passenger, as well as using one in a drive-through service location.