Mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras are the newest road safety technology being used to improve driver behaviour on Victorian roads.
Illegally using a mobile phone when driving significantly increases the risk of being involved in a serious crash.
In Victoria, widespread roll-out of automated mobile phone enforcement is predicted to prevent 95 casualty crashes per year.
These cameras detect and take photos of drivers who use portable devices, like mobile phones. The cameras can also pick up people in the front seats not wearing their seatbelts.
How the cameras work
Each camera trailer has 2 cameras and an infra-red flash that are enabled with artificial intelligence (AI) software. The cameras takes high-resolution images any time of the day or night, and in all traffic and weather conditions.
The AI technology automatically reviews each image.
If it does not see a potential offence, it will reject the image.
If the AI detects a driver who may be using a portable device or not wearing their seatbelt it flags the image for further review.
Images where there might be a potential offence are then checked and verified by qualified independent officers.
Illegally using a mobile phone when driving significantly increases the risk of being involved in a serious crash.
Images captured by the cameras
The images collected are:
- an image showing the vehicle licence plate; and
- 2 images into the vehicle. One is captured at a shallow angle to detect 'phone to ear' offences. The other at a steep angle to detect 'texting, viewing or touching' phone offences and/or seatbelt offence.
The government values protecting the privacy of drivers and passengers and will continue to work closely with the Office of the Victorian Information to ensure the new cameras operate in compliance with privacy obligations.
Camera locations
A list of the camera locations is published monthly.
Captured by the cameras during the roll-out
As we roll-out the mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras there is a 3-month advisory period.
During this time drivers captured by the new technology will receive an advisory letter. This letter is not a fine. The driver will not have to pay a penalty and no demerit points will be recorded.
These letters are to notify drivers about the new road safety cameras. The letter gives drivers a chance to change their behaviour before camera enforcement start and acts as a reminder to drivers of how dangerous it is to use a portable device when driving or not wear a seatbelt.
Receiving an advisory letter only applies to drivers who have committed offences and are detected by this camera technology. Victoria Police can still enforce and issue fines if they detect drivers during this period.
If you receive an advisory letter and have a question you can email mpsdc.enquiries@justice.vic.gov.au
Laws about drivers using portable devices
New road rules have been introduced regulating the use of a range of portable, wearable and inbuilt devices while driving a vehicle or riding a motorbike. The rules expand and clarify a number of rules already in place for mobile phones, and have been updated to take effect from 31 March 2023.
Information about the Victorian laws regarding mobile phone use in cars is available at
The Victorian Government has invested $33.7 million to support the implementation of the Mobile Phone and Seatbelt Detection Camera technology as a part of the Victorian Road Safety Strategy
Reviewed 16 May 2023