Mobile phones & visual display units : VicRoads

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Mobile phones and visual display units

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The rules outlined below are an overview, please refer to the rule references for more details.


Mobile phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, except to make or receive a phone call or to use its audio/music functions provided 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 is not resting on any part of the driver's body.


Using a phone as a navigational device/GPS while driving is prohibited unless it is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle.  All other functions (including video calls, texting and emailing) are prohibited. 

Learner and P1 drivers
Learner and P1 drivers, are prohibited from using a mobile phone at all while driving.


Visual display units/navigational devices/GPS
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 navigation device 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.


Rule references
Road Safety Road Rules 2009

  • 300 Use of mobile phones
  • 299 Television receivers and visual display units in motor vehicles

To look up these rules and check for other related rules, please refer to the Acts and Regulations administered by VicRoads.

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