🚦 Australia’s New Road Rules Starting July 1, 2025: What Every Driver Needs to Know
Big changes are coming to Australian roads from July 1, 2025—and if you’re behind the wheel, you’ll want to be across them. These updates are part of a nationwide push to improve road safety and curb the rising road toll. From stricter penalties and speed limit reductions to smart tech monitoring your every move, here’s what’s new and what it means for drivers across the country.
📵 Eyes on the Road: Phone Use Crackdown Goes National
Australia is stepping up its fight against distracted driving with the nationwide rollout of AI-powered cameras that can catch drivers touching their phones — even for a moment. These next-gen devices are incredibly accurate and don’t need a human operator to issue a fine.
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Maximum fine: $1,209
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Demerit points: 5
Seatbelt offences will also be under tighter scrutiny, thanks to cameras that can detect if anyone in the vehicle isn’t properly buckled up—no matter how briefly.
🗺️ What’s Changing in Your State?
New South Wales
NSW is boosting road safety with multiple new measures:
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Seatbelt & Phone Detection: Smarter cameras now monitor both.
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Average Speed Checks: Cars and motorcycles are now included.
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Physical Fine Notices Return: Digital-only tickets are being phased out.
Queensland
The Sunshine State is making things pricier—and slower in some areas:
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Fine and Registration Hike: A 3% increase across the board.
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Lower Speeds in Urban Zones: For example, parts of the Hervey Bay Esplanade drop from 50km/h to 40km/h.
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Registration Freeze Ends: The paused increase set to last until September has been scrapped.
Victoria
A key update to Road Rule 79A will improve safety around emergency and roadside workers:
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New Rule: Drivers must slow to 40km/h when passing:
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Roadside assistance crews
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Tow trucks
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Emergency vehicles using lights or sirens
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Applies even on freeways
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Penalty: Up to $961
South Australia
SA introduces an even slower passing speed:
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Speed Limit: 25km/h when passing stationary vehicles with flashing lights.
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Applies only on multi-lane roads if the vehicle is on your side.
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Penalty: Up to $1,648 and 7 demerit points
Western Australia
WA drivers face tougher consequences and lower speed limits:
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Phone Use Penalty: Up to $700 and 5 demerit points.
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Extreme Speeding: Repeat offences could lead to licence suspension and over $1,600 in fines.
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Urban Speed Cuts: New 60km/h limits on:
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Bayview Drive
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Parts of the Margaret River region
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More than 1,800 regional roads
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High Pedestrian Areas: Now 40km/h, including the Augusta town centre.
🧠 Final Reminder: Know the Rules Before You Hit the Road
With sharper enforcement and tech-savvy surveillance, these changes are a clear message: safety is non-negotiable. As of July 1, 2025, don’t get caught out—review your local laws, adjust your speed, and keep that phone out of reach.
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Source: Drive.com.au