Transport Victoria Traffic Rules: Victoria Police are targeting drivers who are distracted by devices

Learner and provisional drivers must stop and park in Victoria to change a song, under strict new rules aimed at reducing traffic trauma.

From March 31, all drivers, including those with a full driver’s license, will be banned from touching unmounted portable devices such as phones, tablets and laptops unless parked – even when the devices are turned off.

Drivers will also be banned from carrying portable devices on their laps or on any part of their body – unless they are in a pocket or pouch – which includes handing them to someone else or even onto a device to watch being held by another person.

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For mounted, wearable, and built-in devices, fully licensed drivers are not allowed to scroll, view text messages or social media, email, or photos. Playing videos or games, taking video calls, and typing text, numbers, or symbols are all banned under the new rules.

Learner and provisional drivers are essentially banned from using devices while driving, with some exceptions. You may use mounted devices for audio playback and navigation, but only if set up prior to the start of your trip.

They have to stop and park to change a song or enter a different address, but they can touch built-in devices to adjust their navigation settings, climate controls, and audio features like the radio.

Learner and provisional drivers are not allowed to use voice control.

Fully licensed drivers may briefly touch mounted and onboard devices to initiate, answer or reject calls, play audio, adjust volume, or use a feature designed to assist them while driving.

You may also use navigation features and features designed to monitor a driver’s behavior or condition or to perform a professional driving task.

Paying with a device at a drive-through is allowed, as is connecting a device to a vehicle’s Bluetooth before driving.

New AI-enabled camera systems will be deployed on Victoria’s roads in the coming months to capture distracted drivers. The cameras can capture high-resolution images of passing vehicles in all conditions, and can detect phones and seat belts.

Drivers have a three-month warning period after turning on the system before facing a $555 fine and four penalties for distracted driving.

Roads and Safety Secretary Melissa Horne announced the upcoming changes on Tuesday.

“Distraction kills – that’s why we are introducing these new traffic rules to protect the lives of Victorians,” she said.

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping our roads safe, so please make the right decisions when driving – take care and don’t get distracted.”

The rules will bring Victoria into line with Australia’s road traffic rules, with distraction playing a role in at least 11 per cent of deaths, the government said. One in three drivers admits to using their cell phone illegally.

The rules also apply to wearable devices, including smartwatches.