Thank you for submitting the form. Your reference number is
New road rules for portable devices from March 31 2023: what you need to know
Victoria's new distracted driving rules reflect the increase in new technologies as well as bring the state into line with other jurisdictions.
New road rules will come into effect in Victoria on Friday that clarify the use of portable devices when driving a vehicle or riding another form of transport such as a motorbike, bicycle, e-scooter or even rollerblades.
These new road rules aim to keep road users safe, reflect the significant increase in technologies capable of distracting a driver, and bring Victoria into line with the road rules in other states.
The principles underpinning the rules remain the same: don’t touch your unmounted or wearable device while you’re driving or riding.
Learner, P1 and P2 drivers are subject to much stricter rules and should visit the RACV website for more information.
There are different rules in place depending on whether the device is mounted or unmounted. Photo: Getty.
RACV Head of Policy, James Williams, explained the new rules and the penalties that could apply for the illegal use of portable devices.
“We appreciate that the rules are complex, but this reflects the developing range of technologies that can distract a driver,” Mr Williams said.
“In general, drivers and riders who hold a full licence cannot touch an unmounted or wearable device, such as a phone, tablet, laptop, smart watch, or any other device while driving or riding.
“You can connect to your vehicle’s Bluetooth, then place the unmounted device out of sight and reach before you start your journey.
“As a general rule, drivers can use mounted devices or inbuilt systems for functions such as music and navigation, provided they are not entering text, scrolling, or viewing images, social media, websites, or videos.
“For wearable devices such as smart watches, you can’t touch the device while driving or riding. You can only use voice controls to initiate, accept or reject audio calls, play or stream audio materials, or adjust volume levels.
“You can also use a mobile phone or other device to pay at a drive-through.
“For mobile phones and tablets, the mounting must be commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose, and the device must be secured in the mounting.
Mobile device and seat belt cameras are currently being introduced in Victoria. These cameras will capture drivers and riders who are holding mobile phones or other devices, as well as drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts, or not wearing them properly.
For further information on the rules, please visit RACV’s road safety website page.
-
![A red Mazda2 in an urban setting surrounded by street art]()
BudgetThe cheapest, safest, and most reliable new cars for first-time drivers in 2023
Buying a brand-new car for the first time is exciting, but it’s a big decision that needs to be taken seriously. We’ve chosen 16 of the cheapest, safest, and most reliable cars for you to choose from. -
![car emergency kit in boot]()
MotoringEssential items for your car safety and emergency kit
Give yourself peace of mind by learning what essentials to keep in your car safety and emergency kit in case of an unexpected breakdown or accident. -
![A Melbourne metro train going over a level crossing]()
Public TransportThe forgotten road rules when driving with public transport in Victoria
Motorists are being urged to ‘stop when the red lights flash’ at level crossings, but that’s not the only oft-forgotten road rule to remember when driving around trains, trams and buses.
