Can P Platers Use Mobile Mounting for Googe Navigation in Vic

Lzephr on 29/04/2023 - 19:55

Hello,
I recently obtained my Green P's and was cautioned by a police officer at a traffic light that it is prohibited to use a phone as a navigation even if it is mounted (and it was properly mounted) and I am not actively looking at the screen. Subsequently, I visited a police station to inquire about the permissibility of using a mounted phone for Google navigation and was informed that it is not permitted.
However, according to information provided by VicRoads, https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/new-vi…
it appears that there may be some discrepancy in this regard.

I would be grateful if someone with experience could clarify whether or not it is permissible for a Green P driver to use a mounted phone for Google navigation as it is an essential tool for me and without it, I feel handicapped while driving.

Automotive

Comments

    • zephr on 29/04/2023 - 20:04

      can you scroll down further please it says "For mobile phones and tablets to be considered a “mounted device”, the mounting must be commercially designed and manufactured for that purpose, and the device must be secured in the mounting.'

      As an L or P plater if you use a mounted device or an inbuilt device while driving, you must not:

      Scroll or enter information, text, numbers or symbols on mounted or inbuilt devices.
Use voice controls to operate any mounted or inbuilt devices.
Use the device for:
    Reading or writing text messages, emails, message threads or viewing websites;
    Watching movies, TV, video games or other moving images;
    Viewing social media and photos;
    Video or audio calls.

      However, as an L or P plater you can:

      Use mounted devices for navigation and playing audio (such as music or podcasts) providing it is set up before a journey commences. For navigation, a safer option is to only use the GPS audio directions and avoid looking at the images on the screen. You must pull over and park to change a song or enter a different address. You are not permitted to touch a mounted device for any purpose during a drive.
Briefly touch your inbuilt device to adjust navigation settings, climate controls and audio functions (such as the radio).
        • zephr on 29/04/2023 - 20:21

          Can you please clarify? I'm very confused
          (must not use for any function "hand-held/hands-free" ) but (different Rules for mounted devices "mobile phones and tablets") as mentioned above

          • Twitchh on 29/04/2023 - 20:42
            +1

            @zephr: I take back previous comment, sorry, as other commenter has mentioned it appears new rules have come into effect from March 31 2023, so it appears you can use them
            It appears some of Vicroads website is not updated to account for this change and still shows old rule info.

            "Novice drivers can use a limited number of functions on devices other than portable devices
            (e.g. navigation, playing audio material like music/podcasts/audio books) but this must be set up
            before starting their journey. If they wish to change the function (e.g. change the song or enter
            a different address), then they must pull over and park to do so. (Inbuilt devices are an
            exception; novice drivers can tap touch them for some functions.)"

            L or P plater you can:
            • Use mounted devices for navigation and playing audio (such as music or podcasts) providing it is set up
            before a journey commences. You must pull over and park to change a song or enter a different address. You
            are not permitted to touch a mounted device for any purpose during a drive.
            • Briefly touch your inbuilt device to adjust navigation settings, climate controls and audio functions (such as
            the radio)

            https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/new-vi…
            Found in the FAQ of the above link

            • zephr on 29/04/2023 - 20:44
              +1

              @Twitchh: Thank you for clarifying this; I'd like to express my gratitude for your help. Thank you so much

  • 87percent on 29/04/2023 - 20:01
    -7

    It’s BS that a P plater cannot use a phone as navigation. Such a stupid rule

    • jv on 30/04/2023 - 01:21
      +1

      They can use it, but can't touch it or use voice commands.

      To make any changes to the route, they need to stop the vehicle.

  • kerfuffle on 29/04/2023 - 20:05
    +1

    GPS units are still a thing if you feel that impeded by the inability to use Google Maps.

    • zephr on 29/04/2023 - 20:17

      Although they can be quite expensive, I still plan to get one soon after clarifying whether or not it is permissible for a Green P driver to use a mounted phone for navigation.

      • altomic on 30/04/2023 - 22:38

        they cost as little as $40 on eBay

      • Davo1111 on 01/05/2023 - 14:54

        Put it this way. If a cop disagrees, you get points and fine, you elect for court, you win. You're still out all those costs

        You buy a GPS, or find one in a garage sale, or get it from a friend. None of the above happens. Your total cost could be free-$150

  • bdl on 29/04/2023 - 20:15

    I would be grateful if someone with experience could clarify whether or not it is permissible for a Green P driver to use a mounted phone for Google navigation as it is an essential tool for me and without it, I feel handicapped while driving.

    Voice activated Google Assistant time :)

    Note that you will not be able to use handicapped parking spaces.

    • jv on 30/04/2023 - 01:22

      Voice activated Google Assistant time

      Not allowed for P platers.

  • AustriaBargain on 29/04/2023 - 20:27

    What are the rules for SA?

    • Muzeeb on 29/04/2023 - 20:41

      It's pretty lawless there from what I've seen on RBT.

      The rules are there ain't no rules.

      • AustriaBargain on 29/04/2023 - 20:43

        Yeah I just read that L and P1 can't use a mobile phone for any reason in SA. Also when you use a phone for navigation you are meant to pull over and park before making any changes to it.

        I wonder if a tablet counts as a "mobile phone", or if as you say in practice the coppers just don't care about this rule banning people from touching their navigation apps while not parked and banning L and P1 from using it at all.

      • USER DC on 29/04/2023 - 20:57

        lawless ??

        yea ditto rightio ?

  • Unorthodox on 29/04/2023 - 20:30
    +1

    Police officer probably not aware of the new changes that apply from this month…

    You can use it if it's mounted with a property phone mount and you are not interacting with it (eg. You should pre input and start the maps journey before you commence driving).

    If you get to change destination, etc you must pull over and stop the car etc and then change it. Etc etc

    • zephr on 29/04/2023 - 20:37

      That's precisely what I do; I don't even interact with it briefly. I'm curious, since the page was updated on March 31st, 2023, are the new changes now in effect?

      • jjjaar on 29/04/2023 - 21:09

        Yes, the rules around tech devices in vehicles came into effect on 31 March.

        Edit: whoops, didn’t see this has already been shared above.

    • AustriaBargain on 29/04/2023 - 20:45

      How else will people build a knack for driving straight while looking at and touching a phone if the law provides them from practicing the skill.

    • zephr on 29/04/2023 - 20:45
      +1

      link provided by Twitchh, its all here. https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/new-vi…

      Thanks for the help, i really appreciate it.

  • jjjaar on 29/04/2023 - 20:31
    +1

    it is an essential tool for me

    https://www.melway.com.au/

    • AustriaBargain on 29/04/2023 - 20:36
      -2

      What, someone actually printed a bound version of Google Maps?! What will they think of next…

    • jv on 30/04/2023 - 01:08
      +1

      Sold out !!!

      😢

    • Davo1111 on 01/05/2023 - 14:55

      $60-140 for a hardcopy. Might as well just buy a GPS unit.

  • jv on 30/04/2023 - 01:07
    +2

    Googe Navigation in Vic

    😲

  • Davo1111 on 30/04/2023 - 12:25

    Just buy a GPS unit

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