Driving in Australia is a unique experience as the country has a set of unprecedented laws that restrict the use of VDU devices in the front cabin of the vehicle including the use of TV Screens. The penalties range from $222 in some regions and can be higher in others.
Understanding The Law
The driver of the vehicle is prohibited from having any part of a television receiver or a Visual Display Unit receiver that is visible from the normal driving position from the time the vehicle is in motion and is neither parked nor stationary. This is in line with the objectives of the new set of driving laws to rationalize the number of distractions.
| State | Fine ($AUD) | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | $344 | 3 |
| Queensland | $231 | 3 |
| Western Australia | $222 | 3 |
Penalties: What to Expect
The penalties for contravening this rule do vary slightly from state to state. In NSW for Ex: the penalty for having a screen visible to the driver is $344 which you pay and in addition you also lose 3 points from your driving record. In other parts of the country as in Western Australia or Queensland the fee has been reported to be $222 and higher.
The Driver acts as the Primary Intermediate Owner of the vehicle and will incur the penalties. However in some car cases like the other passengers who can be second-hand defenders if they use a figure of speech in defending the driver of the vehicle. In some cases the fines can also escalate to $2,200 these cases are taken to court and will depend specifically and solely on the ruling of the court which can depend on different factors.
Allowed Exceptions
In some cases screens that are built in to the vehicle for other different uses, like on-board navigation, reverse driving aids, or any other devices for cabin monitoring systems. These must be designed as part of the vehicle or secure mounted. The same applies to police cars equipped with mobile data terminals. Emergency and other vehicles with sign plates like taxis or buses also do not require them. With regard to safety such devices must be fitted as per the manufacturers requirements and must not distract the driver.
How is the law followed.
Enforcement relies on police patrols. More and more though use of automatic camera tech to find infractions. If any sort of screen is visible to the driver. Even though the driver is not “using” the screen a fine issued is something common. More than often, unreachable screens situated on the center dash, for instance, automatic red light screens and more. Infamously, innumerable drivers are caught with hefty fines on their infractions from, red-light devices, screens placed, passenger devices, etc.
Impact on the passengers and drivers.
The law must take care to ensure screens and devices are not visible, distracting or placed within the vehicle. While sitting in the vehicle people are not permitted to use any forms of technology in any way that a driver may have a chance of seeing use, just like the driver, a passenger too, may incur fines. It is easy to comply: keep cellphone GPS systems, use them and keep them, do not remove them from the vessels where vehicle manufacturers have maintained them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a GPS be visible to the driver?
Yes, if it is an integrated part of the vehicle or securely mounted as a driver’s aid, it is allowed.[7][9]
2. Are fines the same for passengers’ devices?
Fines also apply if a passenger’s screen is visible and distracts the driver.
3. Do rear-seat entertainment screens for kids violate the law?
If the screen is visible to the driver or another road user, it could be an offence.
4. Can the fine go above 222 dollars?
Yes, for repeat offences or court proceedings, fines can be up to 2,200 in some states.
