Australia has taken another major step in road safety, with the government confirming that all new SUVs sold from 2025 will be required to come equipped with dashboard cameras as standard. This new rule is part of a wider road safety reform package aimed at cutting down on disputes after crashes, improving accountability on the roads, and strengthening evidence collection for both insurance claims and law enforcement investigations.
Why Dash Cams Are Becoming Mandatory
The Federal Department of Infrastructure and Transport announced this week that the dash cam mandate will specifically target SUVs, which remain Australia’s most popular passenger vehicles, making up over half of new car sales in 2023. Officials said the measure comes after a surge in SUV ownership and a steady increase in their involvement in collisions, especially in metropolitan areas. Studies from Monash University Accident Research Centre have previously shown that dash cam footage can provide critical insight into crash causes, helping both police and courts establish clearer liability.
With cameras already common among private drivers, the government argues this change simply formalises what has become standard practice. Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the initiative “will make evidence gathering quicker, fairer and more reliable, reducing disputes on the road and ultimately saving lives.”
How It Will Affect SUV Buyers
From January 2025, every new SUV sold in Australian dealerships must have a forward-facing dash cam installed prior to sale. The devices must meet technical standards, including high-definition recording, data security features, and automatic loop recording. Importantly, manufacturers will need to integrate them into the vehicles’ electronic systems to ensure they cannot be easily tampered with or disabled.
Industry experts believe this change will add between $200 and $400 to the price of a new SUV, although carmakers are expected to absorb most of the cost in order to remain competitive. Consumer groups have welcomed the move, arguing that it will prevent buyers from spending extra on aftermarket camera units, while also ensuring consistency across the market.
What It Means for Road Safety and Insurance
By mandating dash cams, the government hopes to ease the burden on courts and insurers when resolving crash claims. Currently, many road-related disputes rely on conflicting witness testimony. Insurers, including NRMA and RACV, have long noted that dash cam footage significantly speeds up claim processing times, often cutting weeks off the resolution period.
Road safety campaigners add that visible dash cams could play a deterrent role, encouraging better driver behaviour across the board. “If people know they’re on camera, they’re less likely to drive aggressively or take unnecessary risks,” said Dr. Liz McDonald from Monash’s Institute of Transport Studies. “It adds another layer of accountability that benefits everyone on the road.”
Industry and Public Response
Carmakers in Australia have largely backed the decision, noting that many international markets are moving in the same direction. Some premium models already come with factory-installed systems, so extending the practice to all SUVs is seen as a natural progression. However, some privacy advocates warn that mandating cameras in privately owned vehicles could raise concerns about data handling and potential misuse of footage.
The Department has responded by confirming clear rules will be included in the rollout, setting strict limits on how and when recordings can be accessed. Ownership of the data will remain with vehicle owners, and third parties such as insurers or police will require authorisation or warrants where applicable.
