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Guide to road rules for mobile devices

• Road rules for mounted mobile devices

• Fully licenced drivers 

  Fully licenced drivers are allowed to use their mobile phones for making or receiving calls, navigation and playing audio using hands-free or voice control functions, while driving. However, it is important to note that these activities must be done without touching the phone. You are only allowed to briefly (a couple of seconds) touch your phone for changing a song or volume, adjusting navigation or answering a call, only if it is mounted. You are not permitted to use your device for reading or entering text, scrolling or viewing images, social media, websites or videos. 

• Road rules for unmounted mobile devices

• Learner, P1 and P2 drivers

  Learner, P1 and P2 drivers are allowed to use their mobile phones for setting up your navigation and music or audio, provided that this is done before commencing your journey. You are not permitted to touch your device at any point whilst you are driving, even at a traffic light. Using hands-free or voice control functions is not permitted. To change a song, the volume or an address in your navigation, you must pull over and be parked. You are not permitted to use your device for answering or making calls, reading or entering text, scrolling or viewing images, social media, websites or videos. All drivers must safely park and turn off their vehicle before placing a phone call with an unmounted mobile device. 

• Road rules for wearable devices

• Fully licenced drivers

  If your mobile device is unmounted, you must setup your navigation and music or audio and put your mobile device out of reach and sight before you begin driving. The device is not permitted to be in your lap or resting on any part of your body (in a pocket is permissable) and you may not look at a mobile device being operated by another person. You may not use your mobile device for anything else, even answering calls, if it is unmounted. 

  You can use your mobile device to pay at a drive-through. Place any unmounted mobile devices out of reach and out of sight (such as in the glovebox) before you start driving.

• Staying safe on the road

• Staying safe on the road

  When it comes to using your mobile device while driving, safety should always be the top priority. Distracted driving is a serious issue that can lead to accidents. To ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road, here are some important tips to follow:

  1. Avoid using your mobile phone altogether while driving. It’s best to keep your attention solely on the road.
  2. If you are a fully licenced driver and must use your phone, use a hands-free device or bluetooth technology. This allows you to make and receive calls without taking your hands off the wheel.
  3. Before you start your journey, set up your GPS or navigation system. This helps you stay focused on the road without the need for constant phone interaction.
  4. If you need to send a message or reply to a text, pull over to a safe location before doing so. It’s never worth risking your safety or the safety of others for a text message.
  5. ^{TThe information provided is general advice only. Before making any decisions please consider your own circumstances and the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determinations. For copies, visit racv.com.au. As distributor, RACV Insurance Services Pty Ltd AFS Licence No. 230039 receives commission for each policy sold or renewed. Product(s) issued by Insurance Manufacturers of Australia Pty Ltd ABN 93 004 208 084 AFS Licence No. 227678.}