Navigating the Rules for Using Mobile Phones and Portable Devices on Australian Roads
New Mobile Phone Rules for Drivers in Victoria, Australia
As of 2023, the state of Victoria in Australia has introduced new rules regarding the use of mobile devices while driving. These rules aim to reduce distractions and increase safety on the roads.
For fully licensed drivers, the use of handheld mobile phones or visual display units is prohibited, even when stopped at traffic lights. The general penalty for illegal mobile phone use while driving is a fine of approximately $577 and 4 demerit points.
Learner (L) and P1 provisional drivers, who are typically under 25, have stricter rules. They are not allowed to use a mobile phone at all while driving, including hands-free, wireless headsets, or loudspeaker functions. Passengers of Learner and P1 drivers are also banned from using the mobile phone's loudspeaker function while the vehicle is moving or stopped but not parked.
P2 provisional drivers generally follow the same rules as fully licensed drivers regarding mobile phone use, but detailed specific restrictions for P2 drivers beyond those for full license holders were not explicitly noted.
Mounted devices such as GPS or phones fixed to a cradle may be used within the regulations, but the phone or device must not be touched while driving. Unmounted devices (e.g., holding a phone to the ear or resting it on the body) are illegal to use while driving.
Wearable devices were not specifically mentioned in the search results, but given the strictness of laws against visual display units and handheld use, using wearable devices as a means to interact with a phone while driving would likely fall under illegal use if it distracts the driver or involves manual interaction.
Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras were rolled out in July 2023 to enforce these new road rules. These cameras use AI and infrared technology to capture images of offences any time, day or night, increasing the enforcement presence.
Using a mobile phone while driving significantly increases crash risk, which motivates these laws and penalties.
Here is a summary of the penalties:
| Driver Type | Mobile Phone Use Allowed? | Penalty if Illegal Use | |---------------------|-----------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------| | Fully Licensed | Handsfree use allowed, no handheld use | ~$577 fine + 4 demerit points[2] | | Learner (L) & P1 | No use at all, including handsfree & loudspeaker | Fine plus 4 or 3 demerit points; strict ban[2] | | P2 Provisional | Similar to fully licensed drivers | Likely same fine and points as fully licensed | | Passengers (L & P1) | Cannot use loudspeaker while driving | Fine (same as drivers) |
To ensure safety on the roads, it is recommended that drivers: - Use hands-free devices strictly only if fully licensed and allowed. - Avoid any interaction with the phone while driving. - Ensure devices are mounted securely (e.g., in a cradle) to avoid touching them. - Learner and P1 drivers should not use any mobile phone or device functions while driving. - Beware of detection cameras and comply to avoid high fines and demerit points.
In their first six months of operation, the cameras caught 30,231 drivers using their mobile phones while driving. It is crucial to follow these rules to maintain a safe driving environment.
The introduction of technology such as mobile phone detection cameras in Victoria, Australia, is a testament to the state's commitment to enhancing general-news topics like road safety. Interestingly, these cameras can identify sports-related distractions, like using a mobile phone while driving, thus enforcing the new rules more effectively.
