Road rule changes: mobiles and VDUs
From November 2009 there will be some changes to Victoria’s road safety rules.
The changes include amendments to the rules for using mobile phones and visual display units (including GPSes).
Using a mobile phone or a visual display unit as you drive is distracting and creates dangerous situations that could be fatal.
The risk of being involved in a crash increases by as much as four times, when using a mobile phone as you drive.
New rules about mobile phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited except if:
- The driver is making or receiving a phone call on a hands free unit
- The phone is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle
- The phone can be operated by the driver without touching any part of the phone
All other functions (including video calls, texting and emailing) are prohibited.
Holding the phone (whether or not engaged in a phone call) is also prohibited (holding includes resting the mobile on the driver’s lap).
Learner and P1 drivers are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.
New rules about visual display units
A driver must not drive a vehicle that has a television receiver or a visual display unit operating if any part of the screen is visible to the driver or is likely to distract another driver.
A driver can use a driver’s aid (such as a Global Positioning System - GPS) but it must be an integrated part of the vehicle design, or secured in a commercially designed holder, which is fixed to the vehicle.
Exemptions
The rule relating to securing visual display units does not apply to motorcycles.
Other road rule changes
Other changes to the road rules include new rules about:- Keeping children safely restrained inside vehicles
- U-turns and overtaking
- Seatbelt use
- Motorcyclists
- Helmet and seat use for cyclists, as well as turning at intersections
- Scooters, skateboards and roller blades
- Trams and tramways
- Parking
For more information about the new road rules visit the VicRoads website at vicroads.vic.gov.au/roadrules (new window) or call 1300 360 745.
For more about getting around by car, check out our Learning to drive section.
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