NSW fines drivers for dead phone batteries, $110

Drivers in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, are facing unexpected fines of $110 for not having their digital driver's licence accessible. As mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras become more common, drivers may get caught for what they think are minor oversights. A little-known rule states that if your phone battery is dead and you cannot display your digital licence, you can be fined. The digital driver's licence system has been implemented in various Australian states, with NSW having about 4.5 million users since its introduction in 2019. However, unlike other states, there is no grace period in NSW. If drivers cannot show their licence on the spot, they risk a fine. Other states like Queensland and Victoria allow drivers to present their licences later at a police station. Lawyer Hayder Shkara criticized the strict approach taken by NSW authorities, questioning why a backup is not allowed when police can easily access identification through their databases. He pointed out that many drivers have reported receiving fines under this rule, even when they attempted to charge their phones in their vehicles. Challenging the fine in court is possible but may not feel worthwhile for many drivers. The best advice for drivers is to keep their phone charged while on the road to avoid fines.