A new set of driving offences and fines will be introduced from the 1st of July 2025 across most states and territories in Australia. The changes will be implemented to promote road safety and discourage repetition of offences.
With dangerous driving, mobile phone use, and speeding comprising a large chunk of offences, the updated penalty system aims to discourage the kind of wrongful behaviour committed by those behind the wheel.
A Steeper Fine for Speeding
An increasing fine has been set for exceeding speed limits under these laws. Drivers who speed over 10 km/h faster than the speed limit will now face higher monetary fines and double demerit points in many jurisdictions during holiday seasons.
For instance, in New South Wales for 10 to 20 km/h speeding, the fine is now $349, and four demerit points will be awarded, instead of the previous $275 and three demerit points. The reprimands get sharply more severe for excessive speeding in the top speed limit ranges: beyond 30 km/h and 45 km/h.
Sharp Increase on Fines for Using Mobile Phones While Driving
Illegal mobile phone use while driving continues to be one of the most targeted offences. From July 2025, fines will be raised to above $650 for illegal phone use while driving in Queensland and Victoria, with offenders having five or more demerit points added to their licence. These penalties continue to apply even when the car is stopped at traffic lights, with the aim of eliminating all forms of driver distractions.
Seatbelt and Child Restraint Offences Were Under Tighter Scrutiny
In most jurisdictions, all passengers in a vehicle who are not wearing seatbelts will attract higher penalties. For example, in Western Australia, the fine will increase up to $600 for each person unbelted in the car. Parents and guardians who do not secure children in the correct restraint may face further prosecution, including fines of over $1,000 for repeat offences.
Drink Driving and Drug Driving Addressing Tighter
New amendments will bring zero-tolerances for alcohol to certain cohorts of novice and probationary drivers/referrals. Any detection of alcohol or presence of drugs in the system of an eligible learner or probationary driver would result in immediate suspension and higher fines in South Australia and Victoria. Repeat offenders will then be compulsorily required to attend court and have their period of licence disqualification extended.
Give Way Failures and Dangerous Driving Fines Modified
The fines for give way failures, running red lights, and dangerous overtaking have also been modified. They may attract up to $600 in fines depending on the seriousness and risk posed. Dangerous driving causing injury will also trigger automatic referral to the court and possible criminal charges, further demonstrate the commitment to reducing accidents and road trauma.
Driving Without A Valid License Or Registration Gets Harder
Driving unlicensed or with expired registration will now cost bigger bucks. Most regions will see increased fines of over $1,000 for unlicensed driving, coupled with vehicle impoundments. The goal here is to make sure there is a common platform whereby all operators meet the legal requirements to drive vehicles on public roads.
Implementation and Variations on a State Basis
Although the changes form a national extension, individual states and territories hedge some leeway in the implementation. Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales have their respective updated fine structures out in the public eye, with Tasmania and the Northern Territory expected to seal theirs by the end of June. Drivers should thus keep checking out transport or police authority websites for particulars that may better apply to them.
One More Word to Drivers by the Government
The government again stated that these new fines do not intend to raise revenue but rather increase road safety. With an increase in road fatalities in 2024, implementation aims to hold all drivers accountable and endorse safer working practices. Enforcement campaigns will hence follow with the rollout in July through roadside inspections and camera monitoring.
Last Call Before July 1
All motorists are urged to make themselves familiar with the fine changes before their implementation on the 1st of July 2025. These changes will be strictly enforced from day one with no excuse accepted if one pleads ignorance. Staying informed and being responsible in your driving could never be more important than it is right now.