MOBILE PHONES, TECHNOLOGY & DRIVING
21 February 2023
Using a mobile phone or other devices, Like a Smartwatch, while driving or riding can be distracting, increasing your chance of being involved in a crash or near-crash. Looking at or touching a device at the same time as being in control of a vehicle is particularly dangerous.
VICTORIA’S MOBILE PHONE RULES
Learner, Pl, and P2 drivers
Learner, P1, and P2 drivers must NOT use a mobile phone (hand-held/hands-free/with Apple Car Play or Android Auto) for any function while driving (including while stationary but not parked)’ young drivers are over-represented in serious road crashes.
Mobile phones and other mobile devices (e.g. DVD players, tablet computers, smartwatches) are major sources of distraction for young drivers, especially as these drivers are still building experience and developing skills.
Remember, all probationary drivers who reach 5 demerit points may incur a license suspension.
FULLY LICENSED CAR DRIVERS
A fully licensed driver can use a phone to make or receive a phone call, to use its audio/music functions, or perform a navigational (GPS) or intelligent highway vehicle system (in-vehicle warning system) function but only if the phone:
- Is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle, or
- Can be operated by the driver without touching any part of the phone, and the phone is not resting on any part of the driver’s body.
All other functions (including video calls, texting, emailing, task management, photography, social media, shopping and share economy apps) are prohibited.
We have a FREE DRIVER DISTRACTION “Don’t Drive Blind” Poster design (in A3/A4 PDF format) for any community and sporting groups to use.
Download Posters and read our ROAD SAFETY AWARENESS Campaigns via
