What you need to know about Victoria’s new road rules

Distracted drivers could be slapped with a hefty fine as Victoria’s tough new road rules come into effect today. Here’s what you need to know.

Drivers could be fined $555 under the tough new road rules.

Tough new rules will come into effect on Friday, in a bid to reduce the soaring number of lives lost on Victorian roads.

Phone and seatbelt detection cameras will be rolled out in crash hot spots to tackle driver distraction.

Distraction is a key contributor to road trauma with research showing the risk of crashing increases when drivers are texting, browsing or emailing.

Distraction is also involved in at least 11 per cent of fatalities.

The cameras will target distracted drivers using their mobiles phones or not wearing a seatbelt.

How do the cameras work?

The AI-enabled camera systems will capture high-resolution images of passing vehicles in all conditions including poor weather.

It will target drivers who are holding mobiles phones or not wearing seatbelts.

Once the photo is taken, it will be automatically flagged for a human eye review.

Are there any exceptions?

Under the rules, drivers can use their mounted device or in-built entertainment system for navigation purposes, to stream audio and to accept or reject phone calls.

They cannot use devices to scroll, text or use social media.

Drivers can look at their smartwatch to check the time but not to read a text.

How many deaths will they prevent?

The cameras are expected to prevent up to 95 crashes per year that result in injury or death.

It comes as there was a 32.2 per cent jump in deaths on Victorian roads compared to this time last year.

What is the penalty for driving distracted?

Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine.

There will be a three-month warning period before an infringement notice is handed down.