Drink driving offenders now face new penalties. Here's what you need to know about the new drink driving laws in Victoria.
Car Safety
Inbuilt device & car screen laws Victoria: what drivers need to know
Victoria’s in-car screen and device laws explained – what you can touch, when you can touch it, and how to stay safe on the road and avoid fines.
Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with sophisticated touchscreens, navigation systems and connected technologies.
But inbuilt devices are still subject to strict road rules in Victoria. Misusing a car's touchscreen or infotainment system can lead to fines, demerit points and an increased crash risk. VicRoads reports that if you take your eyes off the road for just two seconds while travelling at 50 km/h, you’ll travel about 27 metres effectively blind.
Understanding the rules is essential not only to avoid fines, but to reduce distraction and improve road safety.
More: Mobile phone and portable device road rules in Australia
What is an inbuilt device in a vehicle?
An inbuilt device refers to any system that is permanently installed in the vehicle by the manufacturer, and cannot be removed like a portable device.
Inbuilt devices typically include:
- infotainment touchscreens
- integrated navigation systems
- digital dashboards and driver displays
- built-in media and audio controls
- climate control interfaces displayed on screens.
Unlike portable or mounted devices, inbuilt systems are designed to be part of the driving experience – but that doesn't mean unrestricted use.
Drivers may only briefly touch their inbuilt device to perform a limited number of tasks.
When can I use or touch my inbuilt system?
Drivers on a full licence can briefly touch their vehicle's inbuilt device to:
- adjust volume levels
- play or stream audio material (for example, radio channels, music, podcasts)
- initiate, accept or reject an audio call
- use a navigation function
- use a function on the device designed to provide driver assistance or to help operate the vehicle
- use a function on the device designed to monitor the driver's behaviour or condition, or
- to carry out a professional driving task.
When can't I use or touch my inbuilt system?
When driving, except when parked, drivers must not:
- enter information, text, numbers or symbols (unless using voice control) - this includes entering an address while using navigation systems
- scroll on the device (for example, scrolling through texts, social media, or playlists)
- initiate or accept video calls
- display, read or write text messages, emails, or posts
- display or view websites, social media or photos
- watch movies, TV, video games or other moving images.
Are the rules for inbuilt devices different for Learner, P1 and P2 drivers?
Learner, P1 and P2 drivers can briefly touch their inbuilt device to adjust navigation settings, climate controls and audio functions (such as the radio).
But that is all. They must not:
- make or accept audio or video calls
- use voice controls to operate any inbuilt device
- scroll or enter information, text, numbers or symbols on an inbuilt device
- read or write text messages, emails, message threads or viewing websites
- watch movies, TV, video games or other moving images
- view social media and photos.
Driver assistance systems like reverse cameras may be operated by the driver or passenger.
What if I need to operate the inbuilt device for work?
You are permitted to use an inbuilt device to perform the following professional driving tasks:
- accept or reject a job - for example, rideshare, taxi or delivery drivers
- gather information - for example, freight, delivery or bus drivers, pick-ups or drop-offs
- maintain security - for example, monitoring passengers or livestock in a vehicle
- facilitate passenger movement - for example, operating the doors of a bus
- maintain safety.
You still may not scroll or enter information, text, numbers or symbols on the inbuilt device unless you are parked.
Can I use my inbuilt device if I'm stopped in traffic?
You may not perform unlawful actions on an inbuilt device if you are stationary in traffic, stopped at a red light, or at a stop sign.
To be considered parked, you 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.
You may leave the engine running and/or the key in the ignition, as long as you are still in the car and in control of the vehicle.
If you're unsure whether you can use your inbuilt device for a certain task, pull over safely first.
Can my passenger operate an inbuilt device?
Passengers can operate an inbuilt device under the same rules as a fully licenced driver.
In addition, they may scroll or enter information, text, numbers or symbols into the inbuilt device when used for navigation, audio, climate controls, driver assistance systems, safety systems, or professional driving tasks.
Passengers must not use an inbuilt device if it is likely to distract the driver. For example, passengers are not allowed to play or stream videos on an inbuilt device.
What are the penalties for improper device use?
The illegal use of a mobile phone or other device in a vehicle can land you a $611 fine and four demerit points, according to Fines Victoria. The fine can increase if the matter is heard in court.
The information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.
