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Using mobile phones & visual display units while driving – new law
Date : 09 Nov 2009
The law about using mobile phones and monitor screens in vehicles has changed. This is part of a broad review of driving rules and regulations in Victoria.
Mobile phones
It is now an offence to use a mobile phone to:
- make or receive call use GPS (global positioning function)
- play music or other audio
while driving unless the mobile phone:
- is securely attached in the vehicle in a commercially designed holder
or - can be used without the driver touching any part of the phone.
A driver must not have their mobile resting on their lap while they are driving. Text messaging, video calls. playing games and taking photos are also prohibited.
Drivers must be parked when using hand held phones
It is an offence to use hand held mobile phones or visual display units while stationary at red lights. The driver must pull over and park their vehicle before taking or making a call.
Novice drivers must not use any mobile phones when driving
Learner drivers and drivers with a P1 licence are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving, even if it is a ‘hands free’ phone.
Visual display units
Visual display units are screens that display images or text. Drivers are not allowed to drive a motor vehicle with a visual display unit operating if any part of the screen:
- can be seen by the driver or
- is likely to distract another driver.
GPS – global positioning systems
It is not an offence to use a visual display unit which is a drivers’ aid, such as a GPS, if the device is:
- an integrated part of the vehicle
or - securely attached in a commercial mounting to the vehicle in the way designed by the manufacturer.
Note: A mobile phone with GPS function may be used if it is attached to the vehicle with commercially designed holder.
Motorcyclists are prohibited from using any visual display unit.
Maximum penalties
The maximum penalty for :
- using a mobile telephone is 10 penalty units
- using a visual display unit is10 penalty units.
Demerit points
If you are caught using a mobile phone while driving you can get 3 demerit points.
More information
Related websites
VicRoads site has the following resources:
- Using mobile phones and video display units (new window)
- Driving and mobile phones – a dangerous mix (new window)
- New rules safer roads (new window).
Related pages
Traffic – frequently asked questions