VicRoads backdown on mobile GPS ban

nkrake@therightit.com.au — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 03:09:36 GMT

CADE LUCAS The Age October 20, 2009 - 9:02AM

Victorian drivers will be able to use smartphones as in-car navigation tools after VicRoads backed down on a proposed blanket ban on mobile GPS devices.

The revised Victorian mobile phone rules, which come into force on November 9, were announced by VicRoads in newspaper advertisements over the weekend.

The previously announced rule, which drew international media attention, banned drivers from using mobile GPS applications as navigation systems.

NOKIA NAVIGATOR 6210

The use of mobile-phone GPS systems is becoming more widespread, and the ban was seen as a threat to the growing market in smartphone applications and services.

The changes will now allow drivers to use their mobile as a GPS device as long as it sits in a cradle or is remotely operated.

Under the new laws, drivers will be prohibited from holding their phones or resting them on their lap, even if they are turned off.

Drivers can still make and receive phone calls or listen to music if the phone is sitting in a specially designed cradle.

Any other use of the phone, such watching videos, text messaging or playing games while driving, is banned.

A VicRoads spokeswoman said the rule had been "clarified" after it previously prohibited all mobile phone functions except phone calls - even if the device was in a cradle.

"The change now states that in addition to to being able to make or receive a call when the driver is using a phone in a cradle or remotely, the driver is also able to use the music/audio (without video) functions," she said in a statement.

"Using a phone as a GPS is also permitted, but only if the phone is secured in a commercially designed cradle.

"All other functions of the phone outside of GPS and music/audio (without video) remain prohibited."

The new rules will affect iPhones that use apps such as those made by TomTom, Navigon and Sygic; Nokia phones using its Ovi Maps; Telstra phones using its Whereis Navigator GPS service and any other service or software that enables a mobile phone to be used as an in-car navigation device.

Drivers caught breaking the new laws will be fined $234 and lose three demerit points.

VicRoads says research has shown that a driver is four times more likely to crash while using a mobile phone.

In Victoria, the act of driving while using a mobile ranks among the state's top three driving offences.

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VicRoads backdown on mobile GPS ban

CADE LUCAS The Age October 20, 2009 - 9:02AM