Victoria's AI cameras begin cracking down on distracted drivers

Victoria has launched an aggressive new road safety push, deploying artificial intelligence-powered cameras to catch distracted drivers and enforce stricter mobile phone rules that carry hefty penalties.

The sweeping changes came into effect on Friday, marking one of the most significant shifts in driver conduct enforcement in the state. The regime targets what authorities say are among the leading causes of fatal crashes on Victoria's roads. Drivers caught breaching the new rules face fines of $555 and four demerit points, potentially escalating to $1849 if prosecuted in court.

The crackdown responds to concerning statistics that have alarmed officials. Victoria recorded 240 road deaths in 2022, a troubling jump from 233 the previous year. Even more sobering: nearly a quarter of those fatalities involved drivers or passengers not wearing seatbelts—a pattern officials are determined to reverse through combined technology and enforcement.

At the heart of the crackdown is a two-pronged approach: camera technology that detects both phone use and seatbelt violations, plus regulatory tightening that varies dramatically by licence type. VicRoads will deploy the detection cameras in high-accident zones across the state's 6.6 million residents, strategically placing them where crashes are most common. While artificial intelligence flags potential violations, human officers review flagged images before any penalty is issued—a deliberate safeguard against algorithmic error.

The rules themselves establish a sophisticated hierarchy. Drivers on unrestricted licences retain substantial flexibility: they can use built-in vehicle systems and properly mounted phones for navigation, music and call management without physically interacting with the device. Wearable technology like smartwatches is permitted for voice-controlled calls and audio functions. Motorbike riders with helmet devices can briefly touch or voice-command them while riding.

Learner and provisional drivers inhabit an entirely different world. They cannot touch any portable device while driving—not for emergency calls, navigation, or even to adjust a playlist. Resting a phone in the lap crosses the legal line. "You must pull over and park to change a song or enter a different address," VicRoads stated in explicit terms. Voice controls are barred entirely for L and P plate holders, and they cannot use helmet devices except when pre-programmed before departure.

The enforcement carries heightened consequences for inexperienced drivers. Accumulating more than four demerit points within a year now costs them their licence outright—a significantly harsher outcome than experienced drivers face.

Officials signalled a three-month transition window before penalties take full effect, allowing drivers time to rewire habits before facing the full force of enforcement. The grace period acknowledges the scale of change: millions of Victorians must adapt their driving behaviour within weeks to avoid significant financial and licensing consequences.