In Australia, consequences for breaking the law are harsh, especially for driving offences which include speeding, drink-driving, using the mobile phone, etc. This guide will provide you with the updated fines and demerit points that are set to take into effect on January 1st, 2025. This will help you remain on the right side of the law and avoid the hefty fines that will come with the amended legislation.
Amended Speeding Fines and the Applicable Demerit Points
Effective October 15, 2025, the proposed new legislation will also affect speeding fines and the demerit points allocated to those fines. Under the new legislation, “intelligent” speed cameras will have harsher fines enforced. For 10-19km/h over the speed limit, the fine will be $280, with 1 demerit point. This escalates to $3,300 along with 6 demerit points (with the potential of immediate licence suspension) for 45km/h over the limit, and anything lower will result in school zone fines which will be doubled. These demerit points will be applicable for 3 years, and in that period, if you accumulate 13, you will lose your licence.
Speeding Offenses
Speeding limits in Australia depend on each state or territory but on average, the limits are:
- 10-19 280 CASH 1 Low
- 20-29 550 3 Moderate
- 30-44 1,200 4 High
- 45+ 3,300 6 Immedias Suspension
Drink-Driving Offences
Australia has a 0 tollerance policy where vas 980 fines are issued in 2025 for persons with alcohol blood levels of 0.5. First time offenders receive heavy fines with possible dead time. Repeat offenders prolonged fines, longer dead time, or interdiction. These targets are to eliminate the accidents caused by over alcohol consumption.
Common Driving Offences
Other than driving with over the limit, penalties for using your mobile phone whilst driving, not stopping at traffic lights, risky overtaking, or not stopping at all to an incident or accident also attracts hefty fines. For using a mobile phone not through a phon system, in a lot of the states and territories, fines go as high as 573 with 3 demerit points. Moreover, not stopping at a red traffic light (burning) attracts fines of 500 with the same 3 demerit points conservative system. Tailgating attracts penalties the same way as the other driving behaviours listed above.
Demerits Points System
Demerits Points are awarded when drivers commit certain driving offences. For instance, offences and their corresponding demerits include failing to stop for a school patrol and incurring 8 demerits, while driving over 30 km/h but less than 45km/h can accrue 4 demerits. If 13 or more demerits are accrued within a 3 year period, a driver’s license would be suspended. This Action is taken in most jurisdictions. This approach is aimed at improving and encouraging safe driving.
Compliance and Safeguarding
To maintain a safe road environment and mitigate the risk of fine and potential license suspension, Australians are required to comply with road laws, including not exceeding the limit and abstaining from mobile phone use. Laws and their corresponding penalties also aim to maintain and safeguard the road for all users. This is complemented on and off the road and coupled with educational campaigns on road safety and compliance.
Very Short Data Table: Common Offences and Penalties
| Offence | Typical Fine (AUD) | Demerit Points | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (>45 km/h) | $3,300 | 6 | Possible licence suspension |
| Drink-driving | $980 | – | BAC > 0.05% |
| Mobile phone use | $573 | 3 | Without hands-free |
| Red light running | $509 | 3 | |
| Tailgating | $414 | 1 |
Most Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What happens if I get 13 demerit Points?
A: 13 demerit points or more accrued in a 3 year stretch results in an automatic and immediate suspension of your driving license.
Q2: Do school zones have different speed limits and penalties?
A: yes, school zones can actually have their demerit penalties doubled.
Q3: What penalties take Effective October 2025?
A: Major penalties include heavy an penalty points on excess speed limits and introduction of speed limit enforcement cameras on the road.
