Mobile phones not only distraction

New rules regulating the use of many portable devices while driving have just come into effect, expanding and clarifying some rules already in place for phones.

The new road rules came into effect on Friday 31 March, and concern portable devices, wearable devices (such as smartwatches), inbuilt devices, mounted devices, and motorbike helmet devices.

While driving, full licence holders are not allowed to text, scroll, play videos or games, take video calls, display text messages, social media, emails or photos, or rest a device on any part of the body.

Drivers must not touch portable devices, allow them to be on their lap, look at one being operated by another person in the vehicle, or pass a portable device to a passenger.

As a general rule, drivers may use a mounted or inbuilt system for functions such as music and navigation, provided they are not entering text, scrolling or viewing images or video.

Wearable devices must not be touched, or used for reading or writing text, viewing social media and photos, engaging in video calls, or using a navigation function. However, a driver may initiate, accept or reject an audio call, play or stream audio, or adjust volume levels, but only if using voice controls.

Permitted motorbike helmet device uses are limited to touching the device briefly or using voice commands.

The rules are different for Learner, P1 and P2 drivers.

To view the full list of changes, visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/new-vic-road-rules-2023.

Penalties

The penalties for illegal use of mobile phones (or other device types) remain the same as prior to the commencement of the new rules in March 2023.

Illegal use of a mobile phone (or other device) attracts a $555 fine and four (4) demerit points.

If the matter is heard at court, the fine for illegal mobile phone/device use can be as much as $1,849.

Learner and probationary drivers will lose their permit / licence if they accumulate more than four (4) demerit points in a year (compared with a full licence holder who cannot accumulate more than 12 in a 3-year period).

Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras

In the coming months, mobile phone and seat belt cameras are being introduced in Victoria. The cameras will capture drivers who are holding mobile phones or other devices while driving, as well as drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts, or not wearing them properly. Where the cameras detect a passenger not wearing a seatbelt, only the driver will be issued with an infringement notice for failing to ensure the passenger is wearing a seatbelt.