New road rules introduced as state plans crackdown on offending drivers

One Aussie state is set to “expand and clarify” laws surrounding one particular driving rule, with new cameras being rolled out to detect offenders.

New rules for using phones and other devices while driving have been announced in Victoria as the state plans to rollout cameras capable of detecting offenders.

Set to come into effect next month, drivers will not be able to touch an unmounted phone or other device – even if it’s turned off or sitting in their lap.

Doing so will risk a $550 fine with a penalty of four demerit points if they’re caught driving distracted.

“Distraction is deadly – which is why we’re introducing these new road rules to protect the lives of Victorians,” Roads Minister Melissa Horne said while announcing the new rules this week.

The State’s road authority, VicRoads, said the rollout from March 31 will “expand and clarify” rules for devices as technology use on the roads increases.

Road trauma statistics show distraction is a factor in 11 per cent of fatalities on Victorian roads – about 20 deaths each year.

Rules have been expanded to include portable and wearable devices – such as smart watches or smart glasses – and apply to all road vehicles including cars, bikes, motorcycles or electric scooters.

Drivers with a full licence can touch mounted devices for limited purposes such as navigating, playing music or taking calls.

The rules clarify that drivers will now be able to use a mobile phone to pay at drive-through outlets.

Mobile camera systems were trialled in Victoria. Picture: Supplied

AI software will analyse each photo for wrongdoing before it is reviewed by a human. Picture: Supplied

Learner and probationary drivers will face tougher restrictions, only able to use a mounted device before starting their vehicle. Making phone calls and using voice controls for devices are also banned.

“Learners and probationary drivers are at a much greater risk in their first years of driving, so stronger conditions will apply,” the Victorian government said in a statement.

The new laws come into effect at about the same time as new mobile phone and seat belt cameras are being introduced in Victoria.

Three cameras will be initially rolled out – with a total of six planned in coming years – to be used at more than 200 locations across the state from mid-2023.

A trial of the devices found two per cent of drivers were detected using a mobile phone while driving, according to Victoria Police.

The Victorian government has advised there will be a three-month advisory period, where drivers captured receive an advisory letter rather than a fine and demerit points.

The rollout follows the introduction of phone-detection camera technology in NSW and Queensland in the past two years.

Western Australia, South Australia and the ACT are planning to introduce the same technology, while Tasmania is planning to trial the camera this year.

The minimum fine in Victoria for not wearing a seatbelt is $370, while offences for using a mobile phone illegally start from $555 and come with a penalty of four demerit points.