Phone laws in VIC, effective NOV 9 2009.

[shiftySLE]

Interesting.

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VicRoads Law Update: Using Mobile Phones and Visual Display Units

VicRoads has produced the following summary to assist all Victorian drivers to understand the new laws in relation to use of mobile phones and visual display units in cars. The information below has been downloaded from the VicRoads website:

From 9 November 2009, there will be some changes to the road safety rules about using mobile phones and visual display units.
Mobile phones
Using a mobile phone to make or receive a phone call while driving is prohibited except 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.
All other functions (including video calls, texting and emailing) are prohibited.

Holding the phone (whether or not engaged in a phone call) is also prohibited. Holding includes resting the mobile on the driver’s lap.

Learner and P1 drivers, are not permitted to use a mobile phone at all while driving.

Visual display units
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.

What you have to do
Don’t use your mobile phone or your drivers aid when you are driving, unless it is within a commercially designed holder fixed to your vehicle.

Road safety reasons
Using a mobile phone or a visual display unit as you drive is distracting and creates dangerous situations that could be fatal.

The risk of being involved in a crash increases by as much as four times, when using a mobile phone as you drive, and if you are texting the risk of crashing increases to 23 times.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

1. Can I still use my mobile phone with an earpiece and a connecting cord?

Yes. Wireless devices (or any hands free device, including earpieces that are connected to the phone via a cord) can be used whilst driving.

You must however ensure that whilst you are using such a device, that you do not hold the phone in your hand, or press any buttons on the phone itself, or touch any part of the body of the phone.

2. Can I use my mobile phone as a GPS?

No. Using the GPS function of a mobile phone, even if the phone is in a cradle, is not permitted. This is because a mobile phone can only be used to make and receive a call and all other functions of the phone (including GPS) are prohibited.

3. Can I still use my portable GPS device?

Yes, as long as it is secured in a holder fixed to the vehicle.

4. Where is the safest place to secure my GPS Device?

VicRoads recommends that drivers secure their GPS systems to the right of the steering wheel out of the central field of view. This ensures that the GPS does not obstruct the line of view of the driver.

For more information, go to the VicRoads website - "New rules, safer roads"

[Grennan]

Whilst helpful, it doesnt relate to the cruise section.

Cruise Section Threads

Closed.