From August 2025, drivers across Australia will be subject to a revised set of traffic fines as state governments and road safety authorities implement new penalties aimed at reducing road accidents, speeding, and reckless behaviour. These changes reflect updated enforcement strategies under the National Road Safety Action Plan and come in response to a spike in road fatalities reported over the past year.
Why the Penalties Are Changing
The introduction of tougher fines and penalties is part of a broader crackdown on dangerous driving habits such as speeding, mobile phone use while driving, and failure to wear seat belts. Authorities argue that previous fines were no longer effective deterrents, especially for repeat offenders, and did not reflect the rising cost to public health and safety. The updated fines are also aligned with inflation and the increasing cost of road crash-related trauma.
Many of these changes have been coordinated at the national level, but some specific penalties may vary slightly between states such as New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. However, the general fine structure and offences apply uniformly across the country from August 1, 2025.
Key Driving Offences and Updated Fines in August 2025
Below is a table summarising the most common traffic violations and their updated penalties effective August 2025:
| Offence | Previous Fine | New Fine (From Aug 2025) | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (under 10 km/h over limit) | $123 | $160 | 1 |
| Speeding (10–20 km/h over) | $275 | $350 | 3 |
| Speeding (20–30 km/h over) | $489 | $610 | 4 |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | $362 | $550 | 5 |
| Running a red light | $481 | $610 | 3 |
| Driving without a seatbelt | $362 | $500 | 4 |
| Drink driving (first offence) | $1,100 | $1,500 | License suspension |
| Driving an unregistered vehicle | $704 | $850 | 3 |
| Failure to stop at pedestrian crossing | $481 | $620 | 3 |
| Reckless or dangerous driving | $2,200 | $2,800 | Court-ordered |
These fines apply to private vehicle drivers. Heavier penalties may be imposed for commercial drivers, repeat offences, or if the offence leads to injury or property damage.
What This Means for Drivers
Drivers should take the new fines seriously, especially as many states are also investing in additional mobile cameras, red-light detection systems, and AI-based surveillance to automate enforcement. Getting caught even once under the updated fine structure could mean hundreds of dollars in penalties and a rapid accumulation of demerit points leading to license suspension.
Authorities hope the increased financial penalties will serve as a stronger deterrent and encourage safer driving habits, especially in school zones, high-pedestrian areas, and during peak hours.
How to Avoid the New Fines
To stay compliant, drivers are encouraged to regularly review local traffic laws, avoid distractions behind the wheel, keep mobile phones out of reach, and ensure their vehicles are properly registered and roadworthy. Using hands-free technology responsibly and staying within speed limits especially in variable speed zones—will also help avoid hefty fines and demerit points.
Enforcement Begins August 1, 2025
The revised penalty system comes into effect nationally on August 1, 2025. All offences committed on or after this date will be subject to the new fine amounts. Drivers who have pending traffic violations committed before this date will be charged under the previous fine structure.
Authorities recommend checking official state transport websites or Services Australia’s online portals for the most up-to-date rules relevant to your state or territory.