New portable cameras with technology to snap Victorian drivers who use their mobile phones or fail to wear a seatbelt are now live.
The AI cameras are estimated to prevent up to 95 fatal crashes per year, and have been set up in high collision hotspots across the state.
Although only two cameras will be switched on from today, it's expected more will go live in the coming months.
How do they work?
The AI-enabled camera systems will capture high-resolution images of passing vehicles in all conditions, including poor weather and low light levels.
The new technology will target drivers who are holding mobile phones or other devices when driving, as well as drivers and passengers who fail to wear a seatbelt.
Once the driver does something wrong, the cameras will take photo which will be automatically flagged for review by human eye – otherwise, the image will be rejected.
Is this e-scooter rider about to get fined?
When do they come into effect?
The two portable cameras are now live.
Drivers caught breaking the law will have a three-month warning period before drivers face infringement and demerit penalties.
Motorists caught driving distracted will receive penalties of four demerit points and a $555 fine.
Are any other road rules changing?
A raft of other road changes have also changed, including the way probationary drivers interact with their devices.
Learner and P-plate drivers need to pull over and park to change a song on their phone.
They will be unable to take audio calls and use voice controls to operate any mounted or inbuilt devices.
However, they can briefly touch an inbuilt device to adjust navigation settings.
Full licence drivers will not be able to touch an unmounted portable device, such as a phone, while driving - even if it is turned off.
The rule also includes looking at a device held by another person in the car.
Drivers must not scroll on mounted or in-built devices but can initiate, accept or reject an audio call, use a navigation function and play or stream music.
The new rules will bring Victoria in line with the road rules in other states and territories, and cover in-built vehicle systems, mounted devices, wearable and portable devices such as smartwatches, and tablets.
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