Exploring legal regulations governing in-built device and vehicle display systems in Victoria
In a bid to enhance road safety and minimize distractions, the Victorian Government has introduced new road rules effective from March 31, 2023. These regulations, enforced by VicRoads, cover the use of in-built devices, portable devices, wearable devices, and mobile phones while driving or riding a motorbike.
According to the new rules, an in-built device in a vehicle is any information, navigation, and/or entertainment system that is built into the vehicle and cannot be removed. Examples include infotainment screens, in-built heads-up displays, in-built entertainment like radios, cassette players, and CD players.
For fully licensed drivers, the use of in-built devices is generally allowed if the device is set up prior to driving or does not require manual interaction while driving. However, drivers must not enter information, text, numbers, or symbols (except when using voice control), scroll on the device, initiate or accept video calls, display or read text messages, emails, or posts, display or view websites, social media, or photos, or watch movies, TV, video games, or other moving images while driving.
Learner, P1, and P2 drivers face stricter restrictions. They must not use any mobile or portable electronic device, including in-built devices that require manual operation while driving. This includes any form of interaction with phones or screens that distract the driver. Any device usage must be hands-free and set before driving.
Passengers are not allowed to play or stream videos on an in-built device, but they can operate an in-built device under the same rules as a fully licenced driver, provided it does not distract the driver. Seat adjustment operated through in-built devices may only be used when parked.
To be considered parked, drivers must pull over to the side of the road out of the line of traffic, be in a parking bay, or be appropriately positioned in a parking area.
It is important to note that taking your eyes off the road for two seconds or more doubles your crash risk, as reported by VicRoads. The regulations are designed to ensure compliance with road safety laws aimed at minimizing distraction and crash risk.
For the exact legal text or more detailed guidelines, VicRoads official driver handbooks or their website would provide the most comprehensive source. The regulations do not specify any exemptions or additional details for ignition interlock devices or other forms of in-built devices.
Automated mobile phone detection cameras have been introduced to enforce these regulations. These cameras identify drivers illegally using portable devices and the enforcement is particularly monitored for learner and probationary (P1 and P2) drivers, who have zero tolerance for device-related distractions.
In summary:
| Driver Type | In-built Device Usage Regulation | |---------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | Fully Licensed | Allowed if set before driving, no manual interaction while driving | | Learner, P1, P2 Driver | No use of portable devices including manual interaction with in-built devices while driving |
Stay safe on the road, Victoria!
Technology integration in vehicles is restricted for learner, P1, and P2 drivers, as they are prohibited from using any mobile or portable electronic devices that require manual operation while driving. Fully licensed drivers can utilize in-built devices if set up before driving, but must not engage in any manual interaction while behind the wheel.
