Victoria has begun trialling new road safety camera technology capable of detecting mobile phone use and seatbelt compliance, as part of the state’s ongoing push to reduce dangerous driving behaviour.
The trials form part of regular testing conducted by the Department of Justice and Community Safety (DJCS), which assesses new camera systems before they are approved for enforcement across Victorian roads.
Read more: Mobile speed camera locations in Victoria revealed for January 2026
Where did the latest trial take place?
The most recent testing occurred on the Maroondah Highway between November and December 2025, with fixed cameras installed to evaluate how effectively the technology can identify illegal mobile phone use and seatbelt breaches.
Importantly, the cameras used during this trial were not issuing fines, with enforcement suspended while accuracy, reliability and integration with existing systems were assessed.
Who is behind the technology?
The trial involved camera equipment supplied by Vitronic, a Germany-based traffic technology company whose systems are already used in other Australian states.
While Vitronic does not currently hold a Victorian enforcement contract, its equipment has previously been tested locally, including portable speed camera units that attracted attention for their distinctive design.
Victoria’s existing mobile phone and seatbelt detection cameras are supplied and operated by another German company, Jenoptik, which currently runs trailer-based detection systems across the state.
Existing cameras already showing results
According to DJCS, the cameras already operating in Victoria have had a measurable impact on discouraging high-risk behaviours such as distracted driving and failing to wear seatbelts.
The latest trial follows earlier testing of speed and distraction detection technology, highlighting Victoria’s broader shift toward smarter, camera-led road enforcement.
Jenoptik was awarded a three-year contract worth more than $19 million in 2023, which has since been extended by 12 months through to June 30, 2026.
No fines during testing
DJCS has confirmed that equipment being trialled does not issue penalties. However, Victoria Police continue to patrol trial locations as part of routine road policing, targeting offences such as speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt non-compliance.
Authorities say trials are essential before any new technology is formally introduced into the Road Safety Camera Program.
“We continue to trial and roll out new technologies to help keep Victorians safe on the roads and catch those doing the wrong thing,” a DJCS spokesperson said.
What happens next?
Victoria is expected to continue testing emerging road safety technologies, including new camera hardware, software upgrades and artificial intelligence-based detection systems, as it works toward its long-term road safety targets.
Under the Victorian Road Safety Strategy 2021–2030, the state aims to halve road deaths by 2030 and ultimately eliminate fatalities altogether by 2050.
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