Neil Mitchell takes aim at ‘confusing’ new road rules

Neil Mitchell has serious concerns about “confusing” and “contradictory” new driver distraction laws which will come into effect at the end of March.

“People need to understand the laws to be able to obey them but with this lot you need a master’s degree to be able to understand the gobbledygook,” the 3AW Mornings host said.

And even the Department of Transport seems to be confused about the rules.

Press PLAY below to hear Neil quizzing a Department of Transport spokesperson over the confusing new rules

Road safety spokesperson from the Department of Transport, Marchello Vidales, told Neil Mitchell drivers could be fined $555 for simply having their phone on the passenger seat.

But another spokesperson from the Transport Department says as long as you’re not interacting with the phone on the passenger seat, you won’t be fined.

Shadow minister for police, Brad Battin, says the department’s confusion over the laws “highlights the fact that these laws have been rushed through”.

“As a former police officer, it would be nearly impossible to police.”

Press PLAY below to hear what Brad Battin thinks should happen

3AW Mornings asked Minister for Roads Melissa Horne and Victoria Police to discuss the new rules. Neither the minister nor Victoria Police was available.