Even the most seasoned drivers are scratching their heads. A new study shows that Australians are more confused than ever about basic road rules — and it’s not just the learners. From speeding fines to alcohol limits, the rules of the road are leaving plenty of motorists second-guessing themselves.
Speeding Fines Still Cause the Most Anxiety
According to national driving school EzLicence, speeding fines are the number-one concern for Australian drivers. Every month, more than 25,000 people search online for information about penalties and speed limits. It’s no surprise — fines are costly and come with demerit points that can threaten a driver’s licence.
Amanda Butler from EzLicence told Yahoo News Australia that fines “stay top of mind” for most drivers. “They’re often expensive and carry demerit points, which directly affect your licence,” she said to Yahoo News. With speed cameras and mobile patrols appearing everywhere, it’s no wonder motorists are constantly checking the rules.
The Great Demerit Points Debate
Across New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, and the ACT, thousands of drivers search for how to check their demerit points or how long it takes to reset them. In most states, points remain for three years from the date of the offence, but some count from the conviction date — a small detail that catches many people off guard.
In Queensland, full-licence drivers can enter a good behaviour period to keep their licence, but P-platers face tougher rules and far less tolerance. One minor slip-up could mean losing the right to drive entirely.
P-Platers Face a Maze of Rules
Young drivers, especially those travelling interstate, are dealing with confusing and inconsistent rules. The EzLicence data shows that Western Australia and Tasmania see the highest number of searches for P-plate laws. Speed limits, passenger caps, and alcohol restrictions vary between states.
“The most reliable source is your state or territory road authority’s website. In NSW, all learner drivers, provisional 1 and provisional 2 drivers, and visitors with overseas or interstate learner or provisional licences must maintain a zero BAC,” Butler said. That catches many new drivers off guard, especially when rules differ just across a border.
Why Are Road Rules So Confusing?
Different states, changing penalties, and complex enforcement systems make Australia’s road rules tricky to navigate. Even small differences in wording can confuse well-meaning drivers trying to stay compliant. The truth is, most Australians aren’t reckless — they’re just trying to stay informed in a system that feels unnecessarily complicated.
But maybe that’s not such a bad thing. After all, double-checking the rules might be the best way to stay safe — and keep your licence intact.
