Using a mobile phone while driving in Victoria (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Victoria bans touching an unmounted phone while driving; fully licensed drivers may use a mounted or built-in device for calls, audio and navigation. Camera-detected use costs AUD 627 and 4 demerit points.

RuleWhat applies
Holding a phone while driving bannedUsing a mobile phone while driving a carYes [1]
Hands-free useUsing a mobile phone while driving a carAllowed with limits [1]
Fine, first offence (lowest amount where a range applies)Using a mobile phone while driving a car627.00 AUD per offence [2]
Penalty points on the licenceUsing a mobile phone while driving a car4 points [2]
Texting while drivingUsing a mobile phone while driving a carWhile driving, a fully licensed driver must not enter text, numbers or symbols (unless by voice control), scroll, or view text messages, social media, emails, websites or photos on any phone or device, including mounted and built-in ones. [1]
Learner and newly qualified driversUsing a mobile phone while driving a carLearner and P1/P2 drivers must not use or touch a mobile phone or any portable, wearable or mounted device at all, even for calls and navigation, nor use voice controls; a mounted device may play audio or navigation only if set up before the journey. [3]
Can police stop you for this alone?Using a mobile phone while driving a carVictoria has traffic cameras that detect drivers using a phone, and police can also issue fines. [3]

Notes

  • Fully licensed drivers may use a mounted or built-in device for calls, audio and navigation, touching it only briefly. Learner, P1 and P2 drivers may not use or touch any device and may not use voice controls. The pages read are Internet Archive snapshots of 15 and 25 November 2025.
  • AUD 627 is the amount the page gives for offences detected by portable device and seatbelt detection cameras. The amount for a police-issued infringement was not found on the page.

Sources

  1. Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria): Device rules for drivers with a full licence - Transport Victoria (Internet Archive snapshot of 15 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Fines Victoria: Fine amounts and demerit points (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Department of Transport and Planning (Victoria): Device rules for new and young drivers and motorcyclists - Transport Victoria (Internet Archive snapshot of 25 November 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Victoria

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16
  • CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence; small amounts max 5 penalty units · Growing at home: Banned
  • Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, CDS Vic · Deposit per container: 10c refund
  • Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 18 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16
  • Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any amount of THC is an offence · THC threshold: Any amount of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licensed only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, if living in Victoria under 6 months · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Convert if living in Victoria 6+ months
  • Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
  • Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Controlled weapon; excuse needed · Locking or one-handed knives: Flick and butterfly knives prohibited
  • Motorcycles: helmets and licencesHelmet required for the rider: Yes · Helmet required for a passenger: Yes
  • Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
  • Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
  • Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: One per level, plus by bedrooms
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 18
  • Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
  • Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.