The world's first mobile phone detection camera program will be rolled out in NSW by the end of the year.
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Minister for Roads Andrew Constance and Minister for Regional Roads Paul Toole said the cameras will crack down on drivers illegally using their mobile phones.
During the NSW government's recent six-month pilot, the safety technology provided by tech company Acusensus checked 8.5million vehicles and found more than 100,000 drivers using their phones illegally.
"There is strong community support for more enforcement to stop illegal mobile phone use with 80 per cent of people we surveyed supporting use of the mobile phone detection cameras," Mr Constance said.
The program will operate in warning letter mode for the first three months to reinforce the "get your hand off it" message.
After that period, offenders will receive a $344 fine and five demerit points.
"Independent modelling has shown that these cameras could prevent around 100 fatal and serious injury crashes over five years," Mr Toole said.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy said more than 16,500 people had been caught using a mobile phone while driving so far this year.
The mobile phone detection camera program will be supported by a comprehensive road safety campaign including online information and public education.
The program will start later this year and progressively expand to perform 135million vehicle checks annually by 2023.
The program will include fixed cameras and relocatable trailer-mounted versions of the technology.
The transportable cameras will move across a network of locations statewide, targeting illegal mobile phone use anywhere, anytime.
The NSW government said the Privacy Commissioner has been involved in ongoing consultation during the pilot regarding the privacy protection measures incorporated into the program.
