In 2025, all Australian states began dealing with speeding cases more severely, with some states also implementing immediate licence suspension for ‘extreme speeding’ cases. Currently, if drivers are caught speeding at dangerous high speeds, they risk instantly losing their driving licence, even if they are allowed to argue their case in court later. Below is a comprehensive overview of which Australian states have the new rules regarding instant licence suspensions, the new rules, and what drivers need to be aware of.
Tough Response to Road Trauma
In an attempt to reduce road trauma, authorities within Australia have adjusted their approach to dealing with reckless drivers. The ability to instantly suspend a licence gives police the power to immediately remove dangerous drivers from the road. Immediate licence suspension does not aim to remove drivers who are marginally exceeding the posted speed limit, but rather focuses on drivers who are grossly exceeding the limit. The abuse of the posted speed limit and licence suspension abuse is the major focus of the law, the exact thresholds exceeding the limit vary by state.
Immediate Licence Suspension
- New South Wales (NSW): Police in NSW have the power to immediately suspend a driver’s licence for a full-licence holder who is speeding by more than 45km/h, or if a learner or provisional driver is speeding by 30km/h. The standard suspension time for a major infringement from a complete licence holder is 6 months, while for lower tier offenders it is 3 months.
- Queensland: In Queensland, if you exceed the speed limit by more than 40 km/h, it will result in an immediate six month suspension of your driver’s licence.
- Victoria: In Victoria, if someone exceed the speed limit by 25 km/h or more, there will be an automatic minimum 3 month suspension of the driver’s licence. This can increase up to 12 months for extreme cases which are 45 km/h or more over the limit.
- South Australia: The same legal requirements apply in South Australia. If you drive an excessive speed of 35 km/h over the limit, you will also lose your licence instantly. This suspension begins the moment the police issue the notice.
How Do Immediate Suspensions Work?
When police give an instant licence suspension, the driver must stop driving immediately. If the car needs to be moved, another driver with a licence will have to do it. Once the case is in court, the driver may still have to wait the suspension period, or the suspension can be extended with other penalties. In specific cases, the driver can be banned from driving altogether, which can apply to all states. This is to stop the driver from fleeing to another state to avoid the penalties.
Data Table: Licence Suspension for Speeding (2025 snapshot)
| State | Speed Over Limit | Suspension Period |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 45 km/h+ | 6 months |
| QLD | 40 km/h+ | 6 months |
| Victoria | 25-34 km/h | 3 months |
| Victoria | 35-44 km/h | 6 months |
| Victoria | 45 km/h+ | 12 months |
| SA | 35 km/h+ | From notice sent |
What Happens When Offences Are Caught by a Speed Camera?
Speeding offences registered by a speed camera do not get an immediate roadside suspension. Most states do a grace period suspension, during which they send an evidence review, and then only a suspension is done during a short grace period.
Community Impacts and Possible Defences
These strict safety measures see support, but critics say there is little room for challenging mistaken identity or refreshing an error at the scene. Most states allow for appeals but the driver must remain off the road during that period.
FAQ
Q1: Can I appeal an immediate suspension?
Most states allow for appeal but only temporary, which causes the suspension to stay in place for review.
Q2: and I from another State?
Every state is able to confirm license suspensions, therefore, you can be suspended in one state and the ban applied to another.
Q3: Is there a grace period for speed camera offences?
Yes, Officers review evidence and issue a notice before suspension for camera detected incidents blitzed.
