As of 2025, new traffic fines in Australia, for some violations, go up to $985. The purpose of these changes is to promote road safety, reduce road incidents, and make Australian roads safer for all. For that reason, Safety First provides an overview of the most important rules, fines, and safety practices every driver should be informed about.
2025 Australian Fine Structure Overview
Effective July 1, 2025, Australian road rules became the most comprehensive ever, including increased fines, more AI detection cameras, and new speed limits in sensitive areas placed in more heavily populated areas of the country. Australia’s largest state, New South Wales (NSW) implemented road-related penalty fines by 3.2% for the rest of the country to follow. Likewise, Queensland and Victoria have also adopted similar approaches. Fines for mobile phone use while driving or for those stopped in traffic, especially in danger and school zones, now exceed $985.
Key Violations Relating to $985 Fines
- Illegal Mobile Phone Use. The most affected drivers by increasing fines for road violations are those that use a mobile devise while driving or even engage in that practice while stopped at a red light.
- Speeding in Protected Areas: Zoning in on Very Safe Areas, Infants, and Pedestrians: In narrowly defined areas like school zones, over the limit is cognizantly monitored, especially in the presence of emergency vehicles. This overt infringement has recently been fined just below $985, and is now charged with having demerit points.
- Implication of Busting a Fine or Not Wearing a Seatbelt: In 2025, these fines have been raised alongside AI-powered systems taking a picture of your car.
Major New Road Rules in 2025
AI systems have been and are advanced in capturing law-breaking uses of mobiles, seatbelt, and system non-compliance. The old speed cameras that controlled massive vehicles are now programmed to incorporate light vehicles too, on major roads. The fines are now more aggressive on those that fail to slow for passing emergency vehicles, bus lane restrictions, and using the hands of the driver for mobiles.
Practical Guidelines to Ensure Road Safety
- Always Drive Within All Legal Limits: Following school and pedestrian zone speed restrictions limits greatly the possibility of incurring a large fine alongside a significant increase in overall safety for all.
- Stay Off All Devices: Fines for all mobile phone use, even when in traffic, along with hands-free device use are legal and monitored.
- Observe Emergency Vehicle Protocols: When driving past emergency or breakdown vehicles, remember to reduce your speed to the necessary threshold (usually 40 km/h or less). Ignoring this rule presents a substantial risk of costly penalties, which is why it is common.
Table: Snapshot of 2025 Driving Fine Data
| Offence | Fine Amount | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone use (driving/stopped) | $985 | 4-5 |
| Speeding in school zone | $985+ | Up to 7 |
| Not wearing seatbelt/AI detection | $423+ | Varies |
FAQs
Q1: Can Mobile Phone Usage at a Red Light Result in Fines?
Yes, fines of as high as $985 in certain states can be given for mobile phone usage even if a driver is stopped at a traffic light.
Q2: What is the Impact of AI Cameras on Drivers?
AI Cameras issue fines for mobile phone usage, and seat belt violations, and they do so based on the evidence collected.
Q3: Are All Drivers Allowed to Use Mobile Phones in Hands-Free Mode?
Most states permit hands-free calling for fully licensed drivers, but novice drivers (P1) under 25 years of age are completely prohibited from mobile usage while driving.
