Under the new laws motorists will also be banned from making a u-turn or overtaking across a single continuous driving line.

Senior Sergeant Pat Cleary of Ballarat Traffic Management Unit said mobile phones often caused motorists to become distracted.

He said research showed drivers using a mobile phone were four times more likely to be involved in a collision, while drivers texting were 23 times more likely to be in an accident.

"Unfortunately we see collisions involving distractions nearly on a daily basis," Sen Sgt Cleary said.

"The consequences can be catastrophic.

"The new rules will go a long way to making our roads safer and reducing road trauma."

Under the new laws mobile phones will only be allowed if they are secured in a commercially designed holder or if they can be operated by the driver without touching any part of the phone.

Texting, video calling and e-mailing is prohibited and navigational GPS systems can only be used if part of the vehicle's design or fixed in a commercially designed holder.

Other new laws relate to child restraints.

The laws clarify what type of restraint is appropriate for each age group, including:

* Babies up to six months: Approved rear-facing child restraint (e.g. infant capsule).

* Six months to four years: either rear or forward-facing child harness (eg: child safety seat).

* Four to seven years: forward-facing child restraint with a built-in harness or a booster seat.

Children under seven years are four times more likely to be injured in a car seat if they are not properly restrained.

Another rule includes the banning of passengers under eight years being carried on motorcycles.

For more information go to www.vicroads.vic.gov.au.