Stricter road rules coming July 1

Australia’s road rules have had an overhaul, with significant changes set to come into effect this week, bringing tougher penalties to motorists caught breaking the rules.  

Starting July 1, 2025, every driver will be impacted by both national level and state-specific rule changes, all aimed at enhancing road safety and reducing fatalities.  

Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing... 

AI-powered cameras will be switched on across the country, to detect drivers using a mobile phone behind the wheel. The cameras can also be used for seatbelt detection. 

Those caught holding or using a mobile phone behind the wheel will face pricier penalties, as much as $1209 (plus four demerit points). 

From July 1, there’ll be no more “unfair” ticketless parking fines for drivers in NSW, with a more transparent system back in place. 

This means councils will be required to issue on-the-spot fines or notifications by leaving an infringement on the vehicle, to avoid penalty notices turning up in the mail weeks after an incident. 

Councils must also take photos of parking offences and make them available for Revenue NSW to provide to drivers. 

Speeding drivers are also on notice, with average speed cameras on major motorways now able to detect light passenger vehicles (cars and motorcycles). 

Since 2011, average speed zones on 15km stretches of the Hume (between Coolac and Gundagai) and Pacific Highways (between Kew and Lake Innes) in NSW have only been used to detect heavy vehicles (trucks) speeding, but the changes mean they’re now able to pin speeding cars, too. 

It’s worth noting that fines have increased across the board in NSW, in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). 

Changes for Victorian drivers include the expansion of Rule 79A, which requires drivers to slow to 40km/h when passing emergency vehicles. From July 1, drivers must slow for more types of vehicles – displaying red, blue, magenta or yellow flashing lights – including towing, breakdown towing, roadside assistance and all incident response services.  

Failure to comply may result in a maximum fine of $961, or a non-compliance fine of $346. 

Vehicle registration and fines (for speeding, mobile phone and seatbelt offences) will increase by 3.4 per cent for Queenslanders on July 1. 

The freeze on registration and fines (previously said to be in place until September 2025) will be lifted come July. 

Speed limits will also be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h in pedestrian-dense areas, in a bid to enhance safety. This includes the Hervey Bay Esplanade and surrounds. 

In the nation’s south, drivers will also be required to slow to 25km/h when passing emergency vehicles. 

This now includes roadside recovery and breakdown vehicles displaying flashing amber lights on multi-lane roads, with fines of up to a whopping $1648 (and seven demerits) for non-compliance. 

Speed limits have also been a key focus for WA roads, with several reductions across the state. 

Areas between Margaret River and Prevelly with speed limits between 70km/h to 110km/h will be reduced to 60km/h, while sealed roads west of the Bussell Highway will be reduced from between 80 to 100km/h to 70km/h. 

Built-up areas such as Bayview Drive (Gracetown) will also be reduced to 60km/h, while pedestrian-dense areas like Augusta town centre (and surrounds) will drop to 40km/h. 

The NT is also rolling out a range of new speed limits from July 1, but some are in the opposite direction. 

Stuart Highway – on the section fronting Emerald Springs Roadhouse – will increase from 80km/h to 100km/h, while a new speed limit of 80km/h will be implemented between Chung Wah Terrace and Wickham Point Road. 

Another new speed limit of 90km/h between Wickham Point Road and Channel Island Bridge is also in force.