Starting July 1, 2025, Australian drivers will face some of the strictest traffic regulations in decades. According to SBL Connect, the government is rolling out a nationwide overhaul of traffic enforcement rules to reduce road fatalities and reinforce a culture of accountability. The sweeping changes will include significantly increased fines, tighter surveillance, and stricter enforcement of existing driving laws, signalling a new era in Australian road safety.
Steeper Fines for Speeding and Dangerous Driving
Speeding violations are at the core of the new fine structure. Authorities across all states will impose heavier penalties, even for relatively minor speed infractions. In New South Wales, for instance, the fine for exceeding the speed limit by 10 to 20 km/h will increase from $409 to $580. More severe breaches—such as driving more than 30 km/h over the limit—could result in instant license suspension and fines as high as $1,600. In parallel, other forms of reckless driving, including aggressive overtaking and tailgating, will be penalized more harshly, with fines ranging from $500 to $1,200. These changes highlight a zero-tolerance approach to behaviors considered high-risk on the road.
First-time hooning offences—such as street racing or performing burnouts—will carry even tougher consequences. Offenders may see their vehicles impounded for longer periods, and fines may reach $2,500. Repeat offenders face the possibility of permanent vehicle confiscation and, in extreme cases, jail time. The government is sending a clear message: dangerous driving will no longer be treated lightly.
Zero Tolerance for Mobile Phone Use
One of the most striking aspects of the reform is the crackdown on mobile phone use while driving. Under the new rules, anyone caught using a phone while behind the wheel—even if the vehicle is stopped at a red light—will receive a $700 fine and five demerit points. If a driver commits a second offence within 12 months, the consequences escalate significantly, with the fine potentially doubling and the driver facing a three-month license suspension. These penalties reflect the growing recognition of phone-related distractions as a leading cause of road accidents.
The updated laws aim to shift driver behavior by making the financial and legal consequences too severe to ignore. Enforcement will be supported by automated detection systems, allowing authorities to more effectively monitor compliance without relying solely on in-person policing.
Stronger Child Safety and Seatbelt Enforcement
The reforms place a renewed focus on passenger safety, especially for children. Fines for not wearing a seatbelt will increase to $600, and drivers will receive six demerit points. More critically, failing to properly restrain a child in an appropriate seat or harness could lead to fines of up to $1,000 and could trigger an immediate review of the driver’s license. These changes aim to eliminate complacency around seatbelt usage and emphasize the legal obligation to protect young passengers.
Rideshare and taxi services will also face stricter scrutiny. Starting mid-July, regulators will launch random inspections and employ covert surveillance to ensure these operators meet updated safety standards. With a growing number of passengers relying on these services, the government is keen to close any compliance gaps.
Nationwide Crackdown with New Technology
To enforce the new rules effectively, police across the country will deploy advanced surveillance technologies. Roadside blitzes will include increased drug and alcohol testing, spot license checks, and the use of real-time number plate recognition to identify unregistered vehicles and suspended drivers. These high-tech tools will allow for continuous monitoring along major highways and urban centers.
The National Transport Commission is also collaborating with tech companies to integrate offender tracking systems across all jurisdictions. This means drivers with a history of violations will be easier to monitor nationwide, making repeat offences harder to conceal. By September 2025, these systems are expected to be operational, forming the backbone of a more connected and data-driven approach to road safety.
