New Road Rules Across Australia from July 1: What Drivers Need to Know

From July 1, 2025, Australian drivers will face tougher road rules aimed at improving safety and reducing the growing national road toll. These changes include sharper penalties, reduced speed limits, and the introduction of cutting-edge surveillance technology. Here’s a comprehensive look at what’s changing in each state and territory—and what you need to know to stay safe (and fine-free) on the roads.

📱 Nationwide Crackdown on Mobile Phone Use

AI-powered surveillance cameras will be deployed across the country to detect illegal mobile phone use. These advanced cameras can identify drivers who are even just touching their phone while driving.

• Maximum penalty: $1,209 fine + 5 demerit points

Seatbelt offences are also under the microscope, with new detection tech capable of spotting unbelted drivers and passengers—even when you're not aware you're being watched.

🛣️ State-by-State Road Rule Updates

New South Wales

NSW is rolling out several safety-focused initiatives:

• Seatbelt Enforcement: Enhanced camera tech will target drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.
• Mobile Phone Cameras: Continued use with broader surveillance scope.
• Average Speed Cameras for Light Vehicles: Now includes cars and motorcycles, not just heavy vehicles.
• No More Ticketless Fines: Drivers will now receive physical notices instead of just digital ones.

Queensland

In the Sunshine State, financial penalties are on the rise:

• 3% Increase: Applies to both fines and car registration costs.
• Speed Limit Reductions: Selected busy urban areas—including parts of Hervey Bay Esplanade—will see a reduction from 50km/h to 40km/h.
• Registration Freeze Lifted: The previous freeze until Sept 2025 is now scrapped.

Victoria

Road Rule 79A will be amended to enhance safety around roadside responders:

• New Requirement: Drivers must slow to 40km/h when passing: Roadside assistance vehicles Tow trucks Emergency response vehicles with flashing lights or sirens
• Roadside assistance vehicles
• Tow trucks
• Emergency response vehicles with flashing lights or sirens
• Applies to all roads—including freeways.
• Penalty: Up to $961 (no demerit points)

South Australia

A similarly strict rule will be enforced in SA:

• New Speed Limit: 25km/h when passing stationary roadside, emergency, or breakdown vehicles with flashing lights.
• Note: Applies only to multi-lane roads, not if the vehicle is on the opposite side.
• Penalty: Up to $1,648 + 7 demerit points

This change is part of a broader safety push across the state.

Western Australia

WA is making significant updates to improve driver awareness and safety:

• Mobile Phone Use: Up to $700 fine + 5 demerit points
• Extreme Speeding: Over $1,600 fine; repeat offenders may face licence suspension.
• Urban Road Speed Limits: Reductions from 70–110km/h to 60km/h in parts of: Bayview Drive Margaret River region Over 1,800 regional roads
• Bayview Drive
• Margaret River region
• Over 1,800 regional roads
• High Pedestrian Areas: Speed limit reduced to 40km/h, including Augusta town centre.

🚘 Final Thoughts

From high-tech surveillance to harsher fines and new speed limits, these changes underscore the government’s focus on improving road safety. As these rules come into force on July 1, now is the time to refresh your road knowledge and adjust your driving habits accordingly.

Stay safe, stay informed—and keep your phone out of reach.

Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.

Credit: Drive.com.au