New security camera requirements for unbooked commercial passenger vehicles commenced on 1 July 2026.
The reforms improve passenger and driver safety by strengthening how approved in-vehicle security camera systems record, store and protect camera and audio data. They also support better investigation of complaints and incidents by making sure recordings are clearer, available for longer and only accessed for authorised purposes.
This page provides key documents to help Booking Service Providers, vehicle owners and industry understand and meet their obligations.
What is changing?
From 1 July 2026, approved security camera systems in relevant commercial passenger vehicles must meet updated requirements.
The reforms include:
- audio recording requirements for unbooked CPVs
- improved video resolution, with a minimum requirement of 480 TVL
- increased minimum data retention from 72 hours to 14 days
- access to recorded security camera data only by registered Designated Persons and only for Authorised Purposes.
What industry needs to do
Booking Service Providers and vehicle owners should check whether their current approved security camera systems meet the new requirements.
Depending on the system, this may involve software configuration, hardware upgrades, additional storage capacity, testing or updated internal processes. Industry should work with approved security camera suppliers or installers to confirm what changes are needed.
BSPs should also ensure they have appropriate procedures in place for data security, record keeping, system maintenance and access to recordings.
Key documents
Industry Implementation Guide
Practical guidance for Booking Service Providers and vehicle owners on what has changed, why the reforms have been introduced and what industry needs to do to comply.
Download the Industry Implementation Guide
Security Camera Specifications (Technical Requirements)
The technical specifications and performance requirements for approved security camera and audio recording devices used in Victorian commercial passenger vehicles.
Download the Security Camera Specifications (Technical Requirements)
Approved security camera systems
A list of approved makes and models of security camera systems that may be installed in Victorian commercial passenger vehicles.
View approved security camera systems
Accessing recorded camera data
Recorded security camera and audio data can only be accessed in limited circumstances.
BSPs that need to access or download recorded data for an Authorised Purpose must register one or more Designated Persons with Safe Transport Victoria. Designated Persons must only access recordings for authorised purposes, such as assisting Safe Transport Victoria or Victoria Police, investigating certain complaints, or carrying out approved system testing and maintenance.
BSPs must also keep records each time recorded security camera data is accessed.
Registering a Designated Person
BSPs that need to access or download security camera data for an Authorised Purpose must first register the relevant employee as a Designated Person with Safe Transport Victoria.
From 10 August 2026, BSPs will be able to register Designated Persons with ST Vic. Further information about the registration process will be provided before this date.
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Why have the security camera requirements changed? | The new security camera standards improve safety for drivers and passengers. They provide higher quality video and audio recordings, making it easier to investigate alleged incidents and complaints, enabling action to be taken more quickly when needed. |
| Who needs to comply with the new camera standards? | The new standards apply to CPVs that take unbooked trips. |
| What has changed exactly? | The new standards introduce improved video quality, audio recording requirements, longer storage periods for recordings, and new rules about who can access recordings and how they can be accessed. |
| I am a BSP that provides unbooked and booked services – what do I need to do? |  |
| When do the new camera standards start? | The new standards came into force on 1 July 2026. |
| Do I need to replace my existing camera immediately? | Check the Approved Security Camera Systems list and the Industry Implementation Guide to see whether your camera can continue to be used. If you are unsure whether your system meets the requirements, contact your camera supplier. |
| Can I use a dashcam? | No. A dashcam cannot be used as the required in-vehicle security camera system. However, you may use a separate dashcam provided it:
|
| Where can I find the list of approved security cameras? | Check the list of Approved Security Camera Systems. |
| Do I need to tell passengers that audio is being recorded? | Yes. If your vehicle has audio recording capability, you must display signage informing passengers that video and audio recording may be taking place. Find approved signage here. |
| Can I get recording stickers from Safe Transport Victoria? | Safe Transport Victoria does not supply stickers. You can print your own using our online template or have them professionally printed using the artwork we provide. Use this file if printing professionally, or this one if printing at home. |
| Can drivers turn the camera or microphone off? | No. If your vehicle is required to have a security camera system, it must remain operational whenever the vehicle is in service. Drivers must not switch off, disable or interfere with the system. |
| Who can access camera recordings? | Camera and audio recordings can only be accessed by a registered Designated Person for an Authorised Purpose. Safe Transport Victoria and Victoria Police may also access recordings in accordance with the legislation. Find out more about Authorised Purposes and Designated Person(s) here. |
| How long do recordings need to be kept? | Camera and audio recordings must be retained for at least 14 days, unless Safe Transport Victoria or Victoria Police directs otherwise. |
| What happens if my security camera stops working? | If your required security camera system stops working, you should have it repaired or replaced as soon as reasonably practicable. Keep a record of when the system stopped working, when it was removed and when it was repaired or replaced. |
| Can camera footage be used to investigate complaints? | Yes. Camera and audio recordings may be accessed for an Authorised Purpose, including assisting Safe Transport Victoria or Victoria Police to investigate incidents or investigating certain complaints. |
| I am an independent driver – can I become a designated person? | No. Only a person nominated by, and affiliated with, a Booking Service Provider can be registered as a Designated Person with Safe Transport Victoria. |
| Where can I get help understanding the new requirements? | Visit the camera and audio standards page to access the:
and other supporting resources. |
| When will more advice on audio in booked services be available? | We are currently finalising this guidance. Booking Service Providers will be contacted directly once further information is available (as of July 2026). |