Understanding inbuilt device and car screen laws in Victoria

Inbuilt devices and car screens: what you need to know

What is an inbuilt device in a vehicle?

An inbuilt device in a vehicle is any information, navigation and/or entertainment system that is built into the vehicle, and cannot be removed like a portable device.

Typically, a vehicle’s infotainment screen handles these tasks. Inbuilt heads-up displays and inbuilt entertainment like radios, cassette players and CD players are covered under inbuilt devices, too.

The new road rules also apply to portable, mountable, and wearable devices while driving a vehicle or riding a motorbike, as outlined by VicRoads.

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
• initiate, accept or reject an audio call
• use a navigation function
• use a function on the device designed to assist the driver to operate the vehicle 
• use a function on the device designed to monitor the driver’s behaviour or condition, or
• 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.

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:

• accepting or rejecting a job (for example: rideshare, taxi or delivery drivers)
• gathering information (for example: freight, delivery or bus drivers, pick-ups or drop-offs)
• maintaining security (for example: monitoring passengers or livestock in a vehicle) 
• maintaining safety
• facilitating passenger movement (for example: operating the doors of a bus).

You still may not scroll or enter information, text, numbers or symbols on the inbuilt device unless you are parked.

What are the rules regarding inbuilt devices 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:

• Scroll or enter information, text, numbers or symbols on an inbuilt device.
• Use voice controls to operate any 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.
• Make or accept video or audio calls.

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.

Can my passenger operate an inbuilt device?

Passengers can operate an inbuilt device under the same rules as a fully licenced driver. They may also 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 $555 fine and four demerit points. The fine can reach up to $1,849 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.}