There is a plethora of technology currently available that have the ability to notify individuals of traffic enforcement locations while they are driving. This technology has the potential to undermine legal deterrent efforts for preventing risky driving behaviours. However, drivers’ experiences using this technology and the trajectories through which this might interfere with deterrence for road rule violations are largely unexplored areas. As such, the present study aimed to explore two research questions: 1) what type of technology is used and how is it used, and 2) how does drivers’ use of this technology influence deterrence for road rule violations. In total, 58 Queensland licenced drivers who use technology that informs them of legal enforcement while driving participated in focus groups. To consider differences in use between ages, the sessions were conducted in three different age groups: 17–25 years, 26–49 years, and 50+ years. Reflexive thematic analysis was applied to the data, resulting in eight recognised themes. The findings highlighted that for most drivers, the primary purpose of using the technology was for navigation, while being notified of enforcement locations was a secondary purpose. In addition, the use of this technology encouraged road rule compliance for some yet was used as a strategy to avoid being caught for road rule violations for others. The findings have a number of practical and theoretical implications, demonstrating the complex interplay between technology used for enforcement notifications, its role in deterring road rule violations, and the principles of responsible innovation.

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Introduction: One of the primary countermeasures in place to prevent road rule violations is legal enforcement, yet there are numerous applications that can undermine such efforts by notifying drivers of enforcement locations. However, the capabilities of these applications and how they can impact offending behavior is currently unknown. Method: Two studies were conducted to understand which of these applications are being used by drivers and how these applications are impacting road rule violations. Study 1 consisted of a content analysis that involved searching the Google Play Store and Apple iTunes Store for applications that could be used to avoid road rule violations using pre-determined keywords. Meanwhile, Study 2 consisted of 468 licensed Australian drivers (54.5% males) over the age of 17 years (Mage = 35 years) who completed a survey. Results: A total of 73 applications were identified for Study 1, with most of the applications displaying speed camera locations. It was found that applications that notify drivers of traffic enforcement locations are widely prevalent, can be used on a variety of interfaces and include numerous additional features. Study 2 found that those who use the applications were more willing to speed than those who do not use the applications, while there was no difference in phone use while driving between those who do and do not use the applications. Practical Applications: The findings have important implications for stakeholders, policy, and future research. For example, it is suggested that specific functions of these applications need to be regulated to reduce road rule violations and crash risk. Meanwhile, enforcement initiatives need to evolve at a faster rate to keep up to date with the changing technology that can undermine them.@en