Australia has new driving rules with fines exceeding $984 starting 2025. These new fines aim to provide better road safety. Motorists will be issued fines for over $984 as road safety regulations become effective. Motorists needs safe driving habits to avoid expensive fines.
Exponential Growth of Fines in 2025
Starting July 2025, road fines will increase for Australia based on new rules. New fines will be issued for the primary offenders of the use of mobile phones, speeding, and seat belt use. In New South Wales (NSW) for example, 3.2% increase of fines will be issued for the use of a mobile phone in a vehicle to $423. Queensland will increase the mobile phone driving fines to $1,250, the highest in the country. Other regions in Australia, like Victoria and South Australia, will increase fines for more serious offences to about $1,650. AI powered surveillance and new fines will improve monitoring and detection of mobile phone use in vehicles.
Changes Worth Mentioning
One of the main highlights is that speed and mobile phone detection cameras are now also deployed to light vehicles and not just heavy trucks. Victoria also expanded the requirement for drivers to slow down to 40 km/h when passing emergency and roadside assistance vehicles. Failure to do so has very heavy penalties. In South Australia, the requirement is to slow down to 25 km/h when passing breakdown and emergency vehicles. Infringements come with fines of A$1,648, up to seven demerit points, and a loss of seven demerit points.
Avoiding Unnecessary Fines
Avoiding fines and maintaining a good driving record requires every driver to stay current with the latest regulations and rule changes. Some rules that have been changed recently are: You must always wear a seatbelt, and every passenger must have a seatbelt on too, You must not use or hold a mobile phone while driving, and that includes at traffic lights, You must comply with reduced speed limits in urban and high-pedestrian areas, all emergency, tow, and roadside assistance vehicles must be given space. You must be careful in school zones and on public holidays as double demerit points apply.
Table: Common Fine Amounts in 2025
| Offence | Max Fine (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Illegal mobile use | $1,250 |
| Speeding (serious) | $1,648 |
| Seatbelt not worn | $423 |
| Passing emergency vehicle (SA) | $1,648 |
State-Specific Variations
Fines and penalties differ in every part of Australia. New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia each set and regulate their own different demerit point systems. For example, a driver in Australia’s South Eastern State of Victoria may pay close to A$961 just for serious speeding, while South Australia’s penalties are the worst in Australia for passing roadside assistance vehicles. As part of the new changes, Queensland will also be increasing car registration fees and traffic fines.
Key Tips to Save Money
- Remember to set reminders for registration renewals and fine payments so that you don’t pay extra fees.
- Use hands-free technologies or pull over safely before making calls.
- Check your state transport department for the most recent changes.
- Take extra caution during school holidays and public holidays as fines are increased.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What’s the new fine for phone use while stopped at a red light?
A: Regardless of the state, the fine may reach A$1,250, even when the vehicle isn’t moving.
Q2: Do demerit points also increase in 2025?
A: Demerit point systems are still state-based, but all penalties and point losses will be enforced with greater surveillance.
Q3: How can motorists stay updated on new rules?
A: Keep an eye on updates from your state transport authorities and think about signing up for their newsletters to get notifications.
