Recently, Victoria Police completed a milestone two-day enforcement action, targeting distracted drivers around the state. This marked a new focus in the enforcement of road safety as well as the public promotion of safe driving behaviours. This initiative focused on the use of mobile phones, eating while driving, and other forms of risky and distracted driving while incorporating both traditional law enforcement methodologies and new technologies like AI powered camera systems. This operation is part of a larger campaign from Victoria Police directed at road trauma and increasing road safety, proving the focus on the unsafe drivers, their behaviours and the road trauma, fatality and injuries associated with their behaviours.
Operation Overview
This event was executed during a peak road usage time for the public, which includes holidays, and was designed in order to capitalise on the increase in the number of risky and distracted drivers on the road. There was a combination of overt and covert police operations at the predetermined high risk sites. These operations included portable roadside police checks, automated surveillance, and a variety of other control measures. Over the state of Victoria, mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras and other automated surveillance systems were able to capture thousands of potential offences in a matter of days.
Key Offences and Penalties
The operation focused specifically on the use of mobile phones while driving, eating or drinking (including the newly-banned act of drinking coffee), and not wearing seatbelts. Offenders received on-the-spot fines which will increase in 2025. In Victoria, fines for using a mobile phone while driving will reach about $555. Distracting behaviors such as drinking coffee will also incur fines and demerit points. These penalties intend to send a clear warning about seemingly casual habits that are, in fact, deadly.
Road Safety Strategy
This crackdown is in line with the Victorian Government’s Rest Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030 to reduce road deaths by half by 2030. This will be achieved using a mix of enforcement, education, and technology. The new AI-powered cameras and stricter laws introduced in the state are the beginning of a zero tolerance approach. Broken road rules that lead to serious accidents are breached every day by Victoria road users. This is the main reason of the heavy focus on prevention.
Data and Results
Over the span of two days, police managed to check tens of thousands of vehicles. For the current financial year, the cameras statewide recorded over 110,000 infringements issued for distraction-related offences. Reports received after the operation indicate that hundreds of drivers were either fined or had demerit points taken away, reinforcing the message of the state’s tougher stance on the use mobile phones and other distractions.
| Key Operation Data | Value |
|---|---|
| Days of Crackdown | 2 |
| Total Mobile Detection Sites | 200+ |
| Infringements Issued (FY 23-24) | 110,000+ |
| Fine for Mobile Phone Use | $555 |
Public Awareness and Next Steps
In partnership with enforcement, the Victoria Police delivered a powerful message to the drivers in the state. Just a moment’s distraction could cause devastating consequences. Drivers are advised to avoid multitasking, plan their journeys and stay alert constantly, particularly when driving during busy holiday periods.
Addressing Broader Safety Concerns
Authorities understand that technology and fines are not the only way to address the issue at hand. For a lasting change to take place, driving safely needs to become a cultural norm, championed through education in schools and community initiatives.
Looking Forward
Victoria Police, along with numerous other government agencies, has delivered a strong message. They will continue to evolve in their methods of prevention and detection. The two-day operation delivered a strong message on the need for collective responsibility on the roads in Victoria, and that safety needs to take precedence over habit or convenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What distractions attracted the most penalties?
Answer: The most distractions led to penalties included the use of mobile phones while driving and drinking coffee behind the wheel.
Q2. How are offenders detected?
Answer: In conjunction with AI technologies that can detect mobile use and seatbelt breaches, police perform mobile patrols and there are fixed enforcement units in over 200 locations.
Q3. What is the fine for using a phone while driving?
Answer: In the state of Victoria, using a mobile device while driving will incur a fine of $555 and 4 demerit points.
