New driver distraction rules in Victoria

New driver distraction road rules will come into effect across Victoria from 31 March.

The changes will bring Victoria in line with the Australian Road Rules, and cover in-built vehicle systems, mounted devices, wearable and portable devices such as smartwatches and tablets.

The rules reflect the significant increase of in-vehicle technologies and other technologies capable of distracting a driver and are designed to help keep people safe on the road network.

In general, the changes mean you cannot touch an unmounted portable device, such as a phone, tablet, laptop or any other portable device while driving.

In addition to phones and visual display units, the changes will cover:

  • Portable devices (unmounted mobile phones, tablets);
  • Wearable devices (smartwatches, wearable heads-up display);
  • Inbuilt devices (Information, navigation, and entertainment systems, heads-up display that is an inbuilt part of the vehicle);
  • Mounted devices (Heads-up display, tablet, mobile phone, media player etc if securely mounted in or on a vehicle); and
  • Motor bike helmet devices.

There are also additional rules that will cover L and P plate drivers.

Learn more

Copy link
Powered by Social Snap