Australia has imposed increased fines and fines collection rate enforcement since July 1, 2025. The states of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, among others, have increased instant fines and demerit points. Cameras have been equipped with AI technology to detect seat belt use and phone use during driving. The objectives are straightforward; modify driving behavior and reduce road collision to unprecedented levels.
Mobile phone use and seat belt Violations
The use of mobile phones has been one of the biggest changes to the driving offense policy. The fines for the offense of phone use behind the wheel was settled around $350, and it has been increased to $1,200 in major urban city zones. AI cameras have been programmed to identify buckled and unbuckled seat belt restraints, and are able to deploy instant fines to users in motion. The prediction: a 25% reduction in phone-related driving accidents will be realized within the coming year.
Speeding Sanctions Vary by Vehicle
With the new regulations in place, the penalties for heavy vehicles and passenger vehicles for overspeeding on the same stretches of road have now been differentiated. In South Australia, the fines and demerit points for exceeding the limit by more than 30 km/h in a truck or bus are some twenty-five hundred and six demerit points. Smaller vehicles are also facing increased fines but the graduated scale indicates the increased risk brought forth by larger and heavier vehicles.
Lane Discipline and Overtaking
Both over taking and lane discipline has been a concern in the recent past. Overtaking is now only permitted in the right hand lane and moving into the centre lane without proper signalling or due care is now a serious offence. The goal of these changes is to increase efficiency and reduce the number of collisions from sudden lane changes, particularly on freeways with multiple lanes.
Emergency and Breakdown Zones
The safety of road workers and motorists who are stranded has greatly increased. Now, on approach to any stationary vehicle displaying an amber light, a speed of 25 km/h is the maximum permitted if the light is on. In Victoria, this now also applies to highway maintenance workers who, if moving, the maximum for them is 40 km/h. The fines for breaching these buffer zone speeds is set at 800 dollars, continuing the regard of ‘safety first’.
Older Vehicles Get an Inspection Overhaul
Systrems for emissions and safey checkpoints has been designed for vehicles over 10 years old. In New South Wales, these cars must pass annual exhaust emissions and mechanical safety assessments. Ascent compliance, emissions, and clean air de-registration moves urban air quality. This system is aimed at accelerating the adoption of newer and electric vehicles, alongside easing de-registration rules for heavily polluting older cars.
Repeat Offendors and their Training
Quarterly and annual habitual pattern offenders are overdue for overpunitive treatment. Over the course of 12 months, any violations numbering over 3 sets will require the possessor to complete a road safety course in a certified setting for attendance compliance. Should there be attendance deficiencies, the subordinate will be placed under a suspension period which is Excessive attendance is subject to suspension for a period of 6 months. Australian training systems invest in this driver school to counter counterproductive driving patterns.