The Victorian Government has announced that new driver distraction road rules will come into effect from 31 March.
These new guidelines will extend existing mobile phone rules to cover modern technology and will bring Victoria in line with the Australian Road Rules, and cover in-built vehicle systems, mounted devices, wearable and portable devices such as smartwatches and tablets.
Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine.
Mobile phone and seatbelt detection technologies involve AI-enabled camera systems that can capture high-resolution images of passing vehicles in all conditions, including poor weather and low light levels when distracted driving is even more dangerous.
Related stories:
- Urban design plan approved for North East Link Tunnels
- Metro Tunnel milestone as Victorian-first platform doors installed
- Inland Rail breaks ground in Victoria
In general, the changes mean you cannot touch an unmounted portable device, such as a phone, tablet, laptop or any other portable device while driving.
The new camera technology will be operational on Victorian roads in coming months. A three-month warning period will apply from the technology’s activation before drivers face infringement and demerit penalties.
Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the new cameras are expected to prevent 95 crashes that result in injury or death annually.
“Distraction is deadly – which is why we’re introducing these new road rules to protect the lives of Victorians,” Horne said.
“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe, so when you’re driving, please make the right choices – pay attention and don’t be distracted.”