A reminder to traffic controllers about the new rules coming into force on the 1st of February this year, regarding the use of electronic devices whilst operating a motor vehicle.
From 1st February 2020, the fines in Queensland for the above is a $1000 fine and 4 demerit points. If you commit the same offence within a 12 month period the fine for the second offence will be another $1000, but double demerit points (8 demerit points).
This will mean that even if a person has all of their 12 points, they would lose their licence for committing two of the above offence within 12 months (4 demerit points + 8 demerit points = 12 demerit points).
For more information on the upcoming changes see TMR’s website here.
If you (as the driver of a vehicle) find that you need to use an electronic device for work purposes (e.g. to record signage placement), you should:
- Alight the vehicle and stand in a safe location’ prior to using device or,
- Ask your passenger to use device.
If these options are not available and you decide to use the device while in the driver’s seat then you must:
- Pull over into a safe and legal parking area ‘clear of expected travel paths’,
- Put the vehicle into park / in gear with handbrake on etc,
- Turn the vehicle off, and,
- Take the keys out of the ignition
To ensure there is not a misconception you are using an electronic device whilst operating a vehicle, it is recommended that you exit the vehicle and move to a safe location before using the electronic device. The safe location would preferably be away from the vehicle.
In all situations the operator of the vehicle remains responsible for the safe operation of it and the payment of any fines for failure to follow any Department of Transport and Main Roads QLD (TMR) road rules.
Please note, we are currently seeking clarification from TMR on what may or may not constitute using an electronic device whilst operating a vehicle. More information to follow once the clarifications have been made.