In 2025, Australians motorists will have new rules to follow when it comes to eating, drinking, and smoking in cars. While it may not be an explicit rule, it is of authority’s discretion to hand out penalties for distraction and their safety enforcement policies give you a good warning on what to avoid doing. Staying informed of law changes will help any driver stay safe and avoid large fines.
New Approach to Distraction
From October 2025, Australia’s new rules on the road will exceed the definition of distraction as it pertains to driving. While the new rules do not ban eating, drinking, smoking, or even the use of tobacco, they do charge for any act that impairs full control of the vehicle even for a moment. The authorities’ message is clear, focus on the road and avoid even the most mundane of distractions.
Specific Penalties Explained
All states have increased fines for distracted driving. If you lose control of a vehicle while eating, drinking, or smoking, you will now face increased penalties that include a $220 on-the-spot fine for minor offences and demerit points. In some cases, fines for serious offences can exceed $2,200. Fines are even higher for distracted driving while handling food and smoking. Fines can exceed $8,000 when smoking with a minor is present.
Why these laws are important
Experts have recognized that distracted driving behaviour, and particularly the loss of control at critical driving moments, is a primary accident cause. These behaviours include driving while occupied with a drink, unwrapping food, or addressing spilled items. Distracted driving accidents have always been, and will continue to be, a focal point for law enforcement and legislators.
Smoking Behind the Wheel
Recent analyses have focused on the implications of smoking in the car with minors, although the legal implications are focussing on underlining smoking as a distraction. Fines can be issued even if the driver is completely focused on the road. States have head the law against smoking with minors in the vehicle, however, under the new rules, all distracted driving laws will also apply.
Public Reaction and Challenges
These new rules have drawn in a wide range of reactions. Hosting a smoking vehicle with a minor does not help someone to stop smoking. Cuts on smoking legislation is viewed as extreme smoking legislation, and while, this view does not help anti smoking legislation, it does help to justify not having targeted smoking legislation. Despite opposition, authorities remain committed to education and enforcement.
Table: Core Data – 2025 Australian Road Rules
| Activity | Explicit Ban | Fine Range | Key Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eating/Drinking (non-alcoholic) | No | $220-$2,200 | Loss of control |
| Smoking with Minors | Yes | $450–$8,000 | Minor present |
| Smoking (general distraction) | No | $220–$450 | Loss of control |
What Motorists Should Do
Moving on to practices, it is important for Drivers across all of Australia to recognise these changes. Stopping to rest, have a drink or a bite will be to encourage un-distraction while driving. In these new rules, the likelihood of being issued a distracted driving fine is higher than before even if the driver is completely focussed. The rules are tight, the attention to the road completely is not a suggestion, it is a must.
FAQs
Q: In 2025, is it against the law to consume food and drink while driving in Australia?
A: Not specifically, but you can get fined for it in case of distraction and loss of control.
Q: What penalty can be imposed for smoking in a car with children?
A: Between $450 and $8,000, and there are strict limitations on it.
Q: What is the fine for distracted driving in 2025?
A: For minor distractions, it is $220 and demerit points are taken. For severe distractions, it is a lot higher.
