NEW driver distraction rules will come into effect on March 31 under a State Government bid to keep Victorians safe on the roads.
The new rules will extend existing mobile phone rules to modern technology such as in-built devices, wearable and portable devices to help minimise the risk of drivers crashing when distracted.
Probationary and learners are at a higher risk in the first years of driving, therefore stronger rules will apply to them, including not touching portable devices, taking phone calls or using voice control unless parked.
Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine.
The government is investing $33.7 million as part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 to introduce new mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras to identify people on their phones and not wearing seatbelts.
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.
The new camera technology will function in the coming months, including a three-month period from the techonolgy’s activation before drivers face infrigement and demerit penalties.
For more information on the new road rules visit vicroads.vic.gov.au/drivingdistractions and on the mobile phone and seat belt detection cameras visit camerassavelives.vic.gov.au.
