A sweeping change is arriving on Victorian roads, and daily driving routines will need a reset. From this week, new restrictions on in-car devices bite, and authorities say the goal is simple: cut distraction, save lives. “This is about safer streets, not catching people out,” a state spokesperson said.
What has changed
Under the updated rules, handling a phone or portable device while driving is even more restricted. If it’s not securely mounted, you can’t touch it at all—not for music, not for maps, not for quick notifications. Even brief glances at a screen in your lap are now off-limits.
Smartwatches and other wearable tech also fall under the ban. If your eyes leave the road to read a ping on your wrist, you’re doing it wrong. Voice activation remains permitted, but any manual interaction must be limited, brief, and only when the device is mounted.
“Holding a device, even at a red light, is still illegal,” Victoria Police have reminded. The rule applies whether you’re on a congested arterial or a quiet backstreet, in daylight or dark.
Who needs to take note
The policy covers every motorist, but it lands hardest on those who live by their screens. Rideshare drivers, delivery workers, and tradies who juggle job-site calls will need to rethink their habits. One rideshare driver told us, “I’ve had to rewire my workflow to keep everything hands-free.”
Learners and probationary drivers face tighter limits again. For P-platers, any device use—hands-free or otherwise—is out while the vehicle is moving. Parents and supervisors are urged to set clear expectations before new drivers pick up the keys.
Penalties and enforcement
Expect more roadside checks and fixed cameras that spot phones in hands. The enforcement net is now wider, and the grace period is over. “If you’re still scrolling at the wheel, you’re going to get caught,” a road policing spokesperson warned.
Penalties are stiff: fines above five hundred dollars and four demerit points for standard offences, with higher hits for repeat behaviour. For many, that’s not just a costly ticket—it’s a short road to licence suspension.
What you can still do—legally
You can use approved cradles and integrated car systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, provided you don’t pick the device up. A single, quick tap to accept a call on a mounted screen is allowed, but swiping through apps is not.
Need to change your destination or queue a playlist? Pull over and park safely before you touch the screen. Emergency calls remain exempt, but “emergency” doesn’t mean “running a bit late,” officials have stressed.
How to adapt—fast
To keep moving without breaking the rules, set up your routine before you roll:
- Mount your phone properly, pre-load your route, enable “Do Not Disturb,” train your voice assistant, create driving shortcuts, and plan stops for messages.
Why the push now
Authorities point to stubborn crash data and rising device use behind the wheel. Distraction remains a major factor in serious collisions, according to road safety analysts. “Looking down for two seconds at 60 km/h is like driving blind for thirty metres,” the spokesperson said.
Public sentiment is also shifting. Many drivers who once resisted stricter rules now accept that tiny habits—a glance here, a swipe there—can carry deadly stakes. The new framework aims to make the safe choice the easy default every single trip.
Practical scenarios to watch
If your phone is on the passenger seat, don’t touch it. If your smartwatch pings, ignore it until you stop. If a ride request arrives, use approved voice controls or pull over to accept. And remember: at traffic lights, your car is still in motion from a legal standpoint.
Cyclists and motorcyclists aren’t exempt either. The device rules extend to two wheels, with similar bans on handling screens while in traffic. Keep your eyes up, and your hands where they belong—on the bars.
What experts recommend
Safety advocates suggest making distraction reduction a daily ritual. Build a pre-drive checklist: mount, connect, set route, set mood with one playlist, and switch off notifications. “Automation removes temptation,” says one crash-prevention educator.
Employers can help by changing expectations. No more instant replies while staff are on the road. Clear policies reduce risk, protect licences, and keep business moving legally.
The road ahead
This is a cultural reset, not a passing police blitz. The fastest way to adapt is to make “phone-down” a hard rule, not a soft goal. Do the setup before the journey, and let the tech work for you, not against your licence.
If in doubt, choose the simple option: park somewhere legal, handle your task, then get back to driving. “When the car moves, the phone stops,” the spokesperson said. That’s the habit Victoria wants drivers to keep—and the habit that will keep drivers safe.