Please be aware there are new laws being brought in to limit driver distractions on public roads throughout the state.
The Minister for Roads and Road Safety recently announced changes will be enacted from March 31, this will bring Victorian
regulations into line with the rest of Australia. The news changes are set cover built in vehicles systems, mounted devices, wearable and portable devices. Along with these rules new camera technology is also set to debut on Victorian roads in the coming months to help detect those using phones or not wearing seat belts whilst driving. Learners and probationary drivers are at a much greater risk in their first years of driving so stronger conditions will apply, including not touching any portable device, taking phone calls or using voice control unless parked.
Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine. Community awareness campaigns will run over the coming months to educate drivers on the devastating risks of distraction.
The Labor Government is also investing $33.7 million as part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030 to introduce new mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera technology that will help catch people using their mobile phones and not wearing their seatbelts 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.
For more information on the new road rules visit www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/drivingdistractions and on the mobile phone and seat belt detection cameras visit www.camerassavelives.vic.gov.au.
