From July 1, significant changes to road rules are coming into effect across Australia.
These changes aim to improve road safety, and it’s essential to stay informed to avoid fines and penalties.
Tougher Fines for Mobile Phone Use
Mobile detection cameras with AI-powered surveillance will be rolled out nationally to catch drivers using, holding, or touching their phones behind the wheel.
If you’re caught, you’ll face a fine of up to $1209 and lose up to five demerit points.
Stricter Speed Limits
Speed limits will be reduced in many states from July 1 following an increase in road deaths. These changes aim to reduce the risk of accidents and improve road safety.
State-by-State Breakdown
Here’s what’s changing in each state:
New South Wales
Drivers who fail to wear a seatbelt will face higher penalties, and mobile detection cameras will start detecting those not wearing seatbelts. Additionally, ticketless parking fines will be scrapped.
Victoria
From July 1, drivers must slow down to 40km/h when approaching and passing by slow-moving or stationary police, emergency, or escort vehicles, including tow trucks and incident response vehicles.
Queensland
Car registration and fines will increase by 3.4%, and speed limits will be reduced in tourist-driven areas. Fines for speeding, mobile phone, and seatbelt violations will also increase.
South Australia
Drivers must slow down to 25km/h when passing by a roadside or breakdown recovery vehicle flashing amber lights on multi-lane roads.
Western Australia
Speed limits will be significantly reduced on certain roads, including sealed roads west of the Bussell Highway, major urban roads, and areas with high pedestrian activity.