Distracted driver and seatbelt detection cameras are used on Victorian roads to detect:
- drivers who use portable devices such as mobile phones while driving
- drivers and front-seat passengers who are not wearing a seatbelt or are wearing a seatbelt incorrectly.
These cameras help stop distracted drivers and people not wearing seatbelts correctly. They can be used anywhere and at any time, making our roads safer.
Distracted driver and seatbelt detection cameras are deployed on unmarked trailers at approved locations across Victoria. Although there are no warning signs at these locations, the trailers are not deliberately hidden and are placed where passing drivers can see them.
To learn more about how distracted driver and seatbelt detection cameras work and how they make Victorian roads safer, watch the video below.
Program overview
Why these cameras are important
Distracted driver and seatbelt detection cameras help reduce road trauma.
Using a portable device such as a mobile phone while driving is dangerous and illegal. It increases your risk of a serious crash.
Seatbelts have been proven to reduce the severity of injuries in a crash(opens in a new window). Most driver and passenger injuries in crashes happen when they hit the steering wheel, dashboard, windscreen or the sides and roof of a vehicle. Not wearing a seatbelt, or not wearing a seatbelt correctly, is a factor in many serious crashes on Victorian roads.
Implementing a distracted driver and seatbelt detection camera program is part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021-2030.(opens in a new window)
To learn more about seatbelts and how road safety cameras can tell when a driver or passenger is not wearing one properly, watch the video below.
What is a portable device?
A portable device is an electronic device in a vehicle that can connect wirelessly and show information. It does not include an inbuilt device, mounted device, motorbike helmet device or wearable device.
Examples of electronic portable devices include:
- a dispatch system
- a tablet
- a mobile phone
- a media player
- a camera
- a laptop
- an information, navigation or entertainment system
- a video game console.
CB radios and other two-way radios are not included.
For full definitions see Road Safety Road Rules 2017(opens in a new window).
See more detailed rules about driving and mobile phones and devices(opens in a new window).
How distracted driver and seatbelt detection cameras work
Each camera trailer has 2 cameras and an infrared flash that are integrated with computer vision software. The cameras capture high-resolution images of vehicles passing through the detection area. They can operate at any time of day or night and in all traffic and weather conditions.
The computer vision software reviews images taken by each camera to determine if a potential offence has occurred.
If the software determines that a potential offence has not occurred, it will delete the image or images.
If the software determines that a potential offence has occurred, it flags the images for further review. These images are then checked and verified by qualified independent officers. All offences are reviewed by Victoria Police, who will decide whether a fine should be issued.
What images are captured
Each fine includes:
- an image of the offending vehicle’s number plate
- two images showing the inside of the vehicle cabin:
- one image from the front, to check if the driver is using a portable device or if the driver or front passenger is not wearing a seatbelt correctly
- one image taken from above to check if the driver is holding or resting a portable device on their body, or if the driver or front passenger is not wearing a seatbelt properly.
These images may also show the faces of drivers or passengers, but the camera does not use facial recognition technology to identify the driver or passenger. Images not related to a potential offence are deleted by the camera.
We take privacy seriously. We work with the Office of the Victorian Information Commissioner(opens in a new window) to make sure road safety cameras follow privacy laws.
Camera accuracy
Distracted driver and seatbelt detection cameras are carefully checked before and after each session.
A trained operator confirms the system is functioning and detecting vehicles correctly, and assesses:
- site boundaries and safety of the location
- site risks to the camera operator (risk assessment, wind speeds) as well as the placement of the road safety camera trailer
- visibility of the road safety camera to road users (such as pedestrian, cyclists and motorists) when placed in position
- whether positioning of the road safety camera system is on the appropriate length of road and within the site boundaries
- whether the road safety camera system has been appropriately aligned, configured and tested before enforcement starts
- the suitability to leave the road safety camera system and trailer unattended during the enforcement session.
For more information about how cameras are tested and the checks done before a fine is issued, visit camera testing and accuracy(opens in a new window).
Penalties
If you are caught by a distracted driver and seatbelt detection camera, you may receive:
- a fine
- demerit points.
Read more about road safety camera fines and penalties(opens in a new window).
If you receive a fine from a road safety camera, you can review the images taken by visiting fines.vic.gov.au(opens in a new window).
Camera locations
A list of approved distracted driver and seatbelt detection camera locations is published each month.
Updated