So this whole GPS app on your phone situation is one big clusterf%*k of confusion, isn’t it? First there was talk that it could be illegal, then it wasn’t, then VicRoads said they were going to make it illegal in Victoria, and now they’re saying that it will be illegal, except if you use it in a cradle. Feel like buying a dedicated satnav yet?
According to Cade Lucas at The Age, the Victorian road authority has backed down on plans to make all use of GPS in mobile phones while driving illegal. It will now be legal if you have your phone in a dedicated cradle.
You can still use Bluetooth handsfree, as well as controlling music (but not video) while the phone is cradled as well, but all other uses of the phone while driving are illegal. Should you be caught once the rules come in on November 9, you’ll be looking at a $234 fine and three demerit points.
At least common sense prevailed…
[The Age]
Troy Bennett
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 8:55 AMActually you can
you need to have a perminant way of affixing it to your car. The phone or GPS devide must be uasable without touching any part of your body.
So if you have a fixture of some description you will be ok.
David Anderton
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 1:34 PMThis has been the law in Western Oz for a few years now you simply can’t use your phone if you need to touch it, whether it has a GPS function or not.