Why this video of a police officer using his phone while driving isn’t what it seems
It's a scenario seemingly tailor-made for online outrage, but this video of a NSW Police officer on their phone while behind the wheel is not all it seems.
The video was sent to 9news.com.au by a concerned reader, and shows the officer speaking on the phone while driving.
However, NSW Police confirmed that due to the driver training officers undergo, they are exempt from the broader rules.
Even in busy areas such as Sydney's south-west, where this video was shot, police officers are presumed to have the skills necessary to use a phone and drive.
However, ordinary citizens are not so lucky.
Though the rules and penalties vary from state to state, Australian drivers are restricted from using their hands to operate a phone while driving.
However, they are largely permitted to use a Bluetooth or voice-activated phone, as long as it is held in a cradle that doesn't impede the view of the road.
In NSW, drivers caught breaching the phone use rules can be fined up to $439 and will lose four demerit points.
Check your state or territory's relevant website for more information:
NSW Roads and Maritime Services
Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads
Western Australia Department of Transport
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