Australian drivers are being hit with heavy fines for a simple but often overlooked mistake at stop signs — failing to come to a complete stop. While many motorists slow down and roll through the intersection, traffic authorities have made it clear that this does not meet the legal requirement. Under road rules, drivers must bring their vehicle to a full stop and check for oncoming traffic before proceeding.
In New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, and other states, the law is consistent: a rolling stop is treated the same as running straight through without stopping. The penalty in NSW currently sits at $362 and three demerit points, but in Queensland and the ACT, fines climb higher, with some drivers facing penalties of up to $533 for this common mistake.
Why full stops matter
Road safety experts stress that the rule exists for a reason. Stop signs are placed at intersections with poor visibility, higher crash risks, or complex traffic flows. By coming to a complete stop, drivers give themselves extra seconds to observe pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles that may not be immediately visible.
According to Transport for NSW, failure to stop at these signs is one of the most common contributing factors in serious crashes at intersections. Even at low speeds, a collision caused by not giving way can result in severe injuries or fatalities.
Police officers regularly patrol areas with high crash risks, particularly school zones and suburban intersections, where non-compliance with stop signs is frequently observed.
The fine breakdown
| Region | Fine (AUD) | Demerit Points | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queensland | $533 | 4 | Fine may increase during double demerit periods |
| New South Wales | $362 | 3 | Fine may increase during double demerit periods |
| Victoria | $481 | 3 | Fine may increase during double demerit periods |
| ACT | $589 | 3 | Fine may increase during double demerit periods |
Common misconceptions among drivers
One widespread belief is that slowing down at a stop sign is enough, particularly if the road appears empty. However, road rules explicitly require that a vehicle must come to a complete halt behind or as close as possible to the stop line. Simply “rolling through” the sign means drivers are in breach of the law, regardless of traffic conditions.
Another misconception is around stop signs in quiet suburban streets. Authorities highlight that these intersections often have poor visibility, where a pedestrian, cyclist, or another vehicle could appear suddenly.
Advice from road authorities
Authorities are urging drivers to break the habit of rolling through stop signs to avoid unnecessary fines and demerit points. The recommendation is straightforward: always bring the car to a full stop, check carefully in all directions, and only proceed when it is safe.
NRMA road safety spokespersons have reminded motorists that avoiding the fine is simple — it comes down to patience and adherence to the rules. “Stopping completely takes just a couple of extra seconds but can save a life,” they stress.
A costly reminder for drivers
With a fine as steep as $533 in some jurisdictions, the stop sign mistake is one of the most expensive yet avoidable traffic infringements in Australia. As police continue enforcement blitzes across the country, drivers are being warned that cutting corners at intersections could cost them much more than just money.
