this post was submitted on 11 Jul 2026
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Traffic Camera Captures Woman Driving With Her Phone on Her Lap (Face Down), The State Mailed Her a $1251 'Public Safety' Ticket (www.gadgetreview.com)
submitted 1 month ago by spaghettiwestern@sh.itjust.works to c/technology@lemmy.world
273 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

A woman drives with both hands on the wheel. Her phone sits face-down on her lap. No officer pulls her over. No lights flash. Weeks later, a $1,251 ticket arrives in the mail. The evidence: a single frame from a Camera surveillance app. The charge: phone use while driving.

Automated camera companies market their devices as automated license plate readers — tools for catching stolen cars, flagging warrants, and aiding serious investigations.

Sold as a Crime Tool. Used as a Fine Machine.

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[–] Kazumara@discuss.tchncs.de 80 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (22 children)

Since the article appears to be mostly a weird collection of badly referenced random cases, let me give you the primary source on the case in the headline:

https://www.tiktok.com/@kristakampz/video/7640403411845877012

Edit and also to save you having to go to tiktok, here's a frame extracted from the video:

Note, this was in Alexandra Headland in Queensland in Australia. So no idea why the article cites Georgia law....

Also this is relevant: https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/road-safety/mobile-phones

Illegal mobile phone use while driving includes:

  • holding it in your hand
  • resting on any part of your body (eg. your lap or shoulder)

If you hold your phone or have it on your body, you will be fined even if you’re not operating the phone, or it’s turned off.

[–] lastlybutfirstly@lemmy.world 3 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (17 children)

Why is it illegal to have a phone in your lap? That doesn't make sense. That's bizarre.

Edit:

Really? This is a hot take? WTF!

[–] jsnfwlr@lemmy.ml 2 points 1 month ago

I know in Western Australia, where I live, it is illegal to have the phone resting on any part of your body.

https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/road-safety-commission/mobile-phones-and-distractions

I wonder where the line is drawn between on your lap vs in your pocket. By that I mean, what if it is in a clear pouch on a lanyard around your neck, or in a running-armband. In both those cases it could still be used by need not have been touched while the car is driving.

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