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A warning for clients...

Use of Mobile Phones and Visual Display Units when Driving.

It is important that you are aware of the new Road Safety Rules which have recently been introduced in Victoria as to the use by drivers of mobile phones and visual display units whilst driving motor vehicles.

Rule 300 as to "Use of Mobile Phones" provides that a driver must not use a mobile phone while driving a vehicle unless the phone is being used by the driver to make or receive a phone call or to perform its audio playing function and the body of the phone is secured in a commercially designed holder fixed to the vehicle or can be operated by the driver without the driver touching any part of the body of the phone. All other functions of a mobile phone – video calls, texting and emailing – are prohibited. Learners and P1 drivers are prohibited from using a mobile phone at all while driving. Holding the phone, whether or not you are engaged in a phone call, is also prohibited. Holding includes resting the mobile phone on the driver’s lap or touching the phone.

Rules 299 as to the and usage of 'Television receivers and visual display units in motor vehicles' provides that 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. Subject to it being appropriately placed in the vehicle, a driver can use 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.

Further information and assistance can be sought from Judy Heeps by calling our office on 9670 5000 or by her email jheeps@mdlaw.com.au