Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras are now operating across the State’s road network to help keep Victorians safe and reduce road trauma.
Announced by the Minister for Police, Anthony Carbines, the new AI-enabled cameras have officially been turned on to help catch people using their mobile phone and/or not wearing their seatbelts while driving.
“Initially two mobile phone and seatbelt detection camera trailer systems will roll out, with plans to deploy additional trailers from mid-2023 onwards,” Mr Carbines said.
“Once activated, the cameras will be deployed to more than 200 locations in rural and metropolitan areas throughout Victoria,” he said.
“A three-month grace period will apply from the technology’s activation before drivers face infringement and demerit penalties with advisory letters sent.”
Mr Carbines said to support the rollout, the Transport Accident Commission has launched a new public education campaign to remind motorists that the cameras are operating.
He said the rollout of the cameras coincided with new driver distraction road rules which came into effect across the State earlier this month, bringing Victoria in line with the Australian Road Rules.
“The new rules will extend current mobile phone laws to cover modern technologies like in-built vehicle systems, mounted devices, wearable devices (such as smartwatches) and portable devices (such as tablets),” the Minister said.
“The new cameras will enforce portable device and seatbelt offences, while Victoria Police can issue fines roadside for illegal use of devices and seatbelt offences under the new rules. Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine,” she said.
