how many demerit points for phone use

In Australia, using your phone while driving is about as welcome as a kangaroo in your bonnet. The demerit points for phone use vary slightly by state, but generally, you can expect to lose 3 to 4 demerit points for holding or using a handheld phone while driving. This includes texting, calling, or fiddling with apps, all of which are banned unless you're hands-free. Fines can range from about $300 to $500 AUD, so the financial sting is real too.

Check your state’s road authority for precise numbers, but remember: no phone call is worth a licence suspension or worse.