Victoria

With masks now mandated in several Australian states to curb the spread of coronavirus, confusion reigns as to whether drivers need to wear their coverings while alone in their cars. When Greater Brisbane entered a three-day lockdown after a coronavirus case was detected, residents were urged to wear masks whenever they were outside of their homes – including when they were travelling in a car.

As several states propose dedicated taxes for electric cars in lieu of the fuel excise, an Australian economist has suggested a potentially controversial alternative plan for "fairly" taxing road users to cover national road maintenance. Richard Denniss, Chief Economist at The Australia Institute think tank, has slammed misconceptions that the fuel excise gives electric cars a free ride, suggesting the Federal Government should instead increase taxes on heavy trucks.

The Federal Government has committed $2.9 million to a new three-year electric car charging trial, with plans to equip roughly 250 homes with free or subsidised charging stations and develop the technology for smart charging and vehicle-to-grid power exchanges.

Thousands of Victorian motorists have been caught using their mobile phones while behind the wheel, as the government trials new mobile phone detection cameras across the state. In less than two months, a total of 4000 drivers were detected driving while distracted, representing 2 per cent of all 200,000 vehicles tested.

Although Victorians may not be able to leave their homes amid stage three and four lockdowns, there are still a handful of ways to buy a new or used car in the state. With public transport, Ubers and taxis a less appealing option due to public health concerns, plenty of people may be looking to purchase a vehicle for their regular supermarket shopping trips and essential outings. RELATED: Melbourne lockdown rues – your questions answeredRELATED: The cars you can buy completely online