Cyclists talking on mobile phones to be hit with $476 on-the-spot fines

CYCLISTS caught using a mobile phone while riding will be hit with on-the-spot fines in Victoria from this weekend.

Using mobile phones will in the future earn cyclists an on-the-spot fine.

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CYCLISTS caught using a mobile phone while riding will be hit with on-the-spot fines from this weekend.

The rule will apply to any rider caught using a mobile phone while moving or stationary, unless the bike is parked.

From this Saturday, police will be able to issue a $476 on-the-spot fine to any cyclist found using a mobile phone while riding.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Luke Donnellan, said the law change would bring the penalty for cyclists in line with the fine for drivers of other vehicles.

“Whether you’re driving a car or riding a bike — you shouldn’t be on your phone — so we’re giving police the power to issue an on-the-spot fine when they catch riders doing the wrong thing,” Mr Donnellan said.

“We hope that by bringing this fine into line with the penalty for car drivers, we’ll stop the dangerous and potentially deadly practice of cyclists using their phones while riding.”

Using mobile phones will in the future earn cyclists an on-the-spot fine. Picture: Peter Lorimer

Using mobile phones will in the future earn cyclists an on-the-spot fine.

Using mobile phones will in the future earn cyclists an on-the-spot fine.

While using a mobile phone when cycling is illegal, the lack of on-the-spot-fine powers made it difficult for police to enforce.

Under the current law, cyclists can only be taken to court if busted using their phones while riding.

Exceptions to the new law will apply if the phone is secured in a mounting affixed to the bicycle, not being held by the rider, or used to perform a navigational or intelligent highway vehicle system function.

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@AndyJeffo