Australia is introducing significant changes to road rules across several states in 2025, designed to enhance driver safety and reduce accident rates. These updates include adjustments to speed limits, mobile phone regulations, penalties, and newly mandated driving behaviors varying by state. Drivers must stay informed to comply with these evolving requirements and avoid hefty fines.
National Mobile Phone and Speeding Enforcement
Starting July 1, 2025, new AI-powered cameras will be installed nationwide to detect drivers using mobile phones while driving, including when stopped at traffic lights. Penalties for using phones behind the wheel are steep, with fines around AUD 1200 to 1300 and several demerit points, reflecting the government’s commitment to reducing distracted driving. Speed limits are also being revised in many regions to combat rising road deaths, with some urban and tourist-heavy areas seeing reductions from 50 km/h to 40 km/h or lower.
Key Changes by State
Each state and territory has implemented unique rule changes reflecting local conditions:
New South Wales (NSW): Increased fines apply for seatbelt non-compliance and mobile phone use. NSW has also scrapped ticketless parking fines introduced during the pandemic and expanded speed camera usage to target light vehicles more aggressively.
Victoria: Road Rule 79A now requires drivers to reduce speed to 40 km/h when passing slow or stationary emergency, police, tow trucks, and roadside assistance vehicles displaying flashing lights. Penalties for not complying include fines up to AUD 960.
Queensland: Speed limits drop to 40 km/h in busy pedestrian zones such as Hervey Bay Esplanade. Registration fees and fines for speeding and mobile phone use rise by about 3.4%.
South Australia: From May 19, 2025, drivers must slow to 25 km/h when passing roadside breakdown vehicles with flashing amber lights on multi-lane roads, with violations attracting fines up to AUD 1,650 and loss of seven demerit points. This rule is aimed at protecting roadside workers.
Western Australia: Speed limits are being lowered significantly in several areas, including urban roads and high foot-traffic zones. Fines for mobile phone use while driving climb to around AUD 700, and extremely high speeding offenses face fines of up to AUD 1600.
New Requirements for Older Drivers
From September 2025, Australia introduces more frequent medical checks for drivers aged 60 and above. These measures aim to ensure that older drivers remain fit to drive safely, reflecting the growing number of senior drivers on Australian roads.
Other Important Updates
Several road rules amendments clarify specific driving behaviors, such as prohibiting U-turns on pedestrian crossings and requiring drivers to give way to those making U-turns when coming from road-related areas. Motorbike riders have some relaxed signaling rules for repositioning within a lane at low speeds. Cycling laws have also been modernized to allow cyclists to ride across road crossings rather than dismount.
Preparing for 2025
Australian drivers should review these evolving road rules carefully to ensure compliance and enhance safety. Increasing penalties and technology-driven enforcement highlight the importance of adopting safer driving habits. Keeping updated with local state road authority websites is recommended to stay informed about specific regional changes and effective dates. By adapting to these new rules, drivers contribute not only to their safety but also to reducing road trauma nationwide, supporting Australia’s vision of safer roads for all users.
