New road safety rules come into force today with stiffer fines for distracted driving, among other changes.
The set fine for using or holding a handheld communication device is now 490 dollars and three demerit points on conviction.
Drivers will also face higher fines if caught passing too closely to stopped tow trucks and school buses and must now give cyclists a one-metre space when passing.
Those who open a car door in the path of a cyclist will face an increased fine of 365 dollars and three demerit points.