The new driving fines and road rule changes across Australia in August 2025 to keep you safe and avoid penalties.
New Road Rule Changes for Australian Drivers from August 2025
Australia’s road rules are seeing important updates starting August 2025 aimed at making roads safer and reducing accidents. These changes involve stricter fines, updated speed limits, and new technology use enforcement for all drivers across the country.
What’s New for All Drivers?
Mobile Phone Use
Using a handheld mobile phone behind the wheel is now more severely penalized. This includes touching the screen for maps, music, or calls. In New South Wales (NSW), fines can go as high as $1,625 plus 5 demerit points. P-platers face a total ban on any phone use, even hands-free. AI-powered cameras nationwide will keep an eye out for these violations for fast, automatic penalty enforcement.
Speed Limits and Safety Around Emergency Vehicles
Several states have updated how drivers must approach emergency and roadside assistance vehicles:
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Drivers must slow to 40 km/h when passing slow or stationary police, emergency, or escort vehicles in Victoria.
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In South Australia, a new rule requires drivers to slow to 25 km/h when passing breakdown service vehicles with flashing amber lights.
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Queensland is lowering speed limits in pedestrian-heavy areas from 50 km/h to 40 km/h to protect foot traffic.
Seatbelt Enforcement
Wearing seatbelts is now more strictly monitored. Cameras equipped with AI will detect when occupants, including those in rear seats, are not buckled and issue fines up to $961.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Lanes
To encourage green driving, NSW and Victoria are introducing EV-only lanes on highways during peak hours. Blocking EV charging stations comes with stiff fines similar to loading-zone violations.
Key Penalty and Fine Updates
| Violation | New Fine Details |
|---|---|
| Handheld mobile phone use | Up to $1,625 + 5 demerit points (NSW) |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | Up to $961 |
| Passing emergency/breakdown vehicles | Speed limit reduced to 25-40 km/h with fines for non-compliance |
| Parking fines (NSW) | Return to ticketed parking fines; no more unattended postal notices |
| Vehicle registration and fines increase | Approx. 3.4% increase in QLD |
These road rule changes prioritize safety for all road users, including pedestrians, emergency workers, and drivers themselves. The combination of tougher fines, increased enforcement using technology, and clearer road rules aims to reduce Australia’s road trauma and fatalities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When do the new road rules start?
The majority of new rules and fines apply from 1 August 2025, with some states having started related rules earlier in July.
Q2: Are these rules nationwide?
Yes, but some rules vary by state, especially regarding speed limits near emergency vehicles and specific fines.
Q3: What if I am a P-plater?
P-platers face stricter restrictions, including a complete mobile phone ban even when using hands-free devices.
These changes are designed to keep roads safer for everyone. Make sure to adapt to these new rules to avoid heavy fines and contribute to safer Australian roads.
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