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From July 1, 2025, all motorists in Australia must comply with a sweeping revision to driving fines aimed at curbing road accidents and dangerous driving behavior.
With a sharp rise in mobile phone distractions and suburban speeding, these updates raise penalties significantly—and add more serious consequences for repeat offenders. Here’s your in-depth guide.
Complete List of Updated Driving Fines
| Offense | Old Fine (AUD) | New Fine (AUD) | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Using mobile phone while driving | $534 | $745 | 5 |
| Speeding 10–20 km/h over | $289 | $400 | 3 |
| Speeding 20–30 km/h over | $489 | $620 | 4 |
| Red light violation | $462 | $565 | 3 |
| Not wearing seatbelt | $330 | $520 | 4 |
| Drink-driving (first offense) | $581 | $800 | Court-imposed |
These increased penalties reflect the government’s stringent stance on the most common road safety violations.
Focus on Speeding & Mobile Phone Use
- Mobile phone usage now draws a hefty $745 fine and 5 demerit points—one of the harshest non-criminal penalties.
- Speeding charges have risen across the board, with small breaches now landing a $400 fine.
- Advanced enforcement tech, including AI-assisted dashcams, will flag offenders for using phones behind the wheel.
Regional Enforcement & License Suspensions
- Stricter measures are being placed in school zones, rural areas, and known accident hotspots.
- Repeat offenders risk escalating penalties, license suspension, or even criminal prosecution.
- Some states plan to require mandatory safety workshops for chronic violators.
How to Prepare for the July 2025 Changes
- Review your driving habits: eliminate phone use and adhere to speed limits.
- Educational campaigns, new signage, and mobile alerts (via Waze/Google Maps) will launch before July.
- For fleet operators, it’s essential to update compliance protocols and retrain drivers to avoid corporate liability.
Why These Changes Matter
- Distracted driving (especially due to mobile phones) is now recognized as a leading cause of accidents.
- The penalty increases are designed to be impactful: $745 is one of the most expensive non-criminal fines, sending a clear message.
- The goal is to instill better driving discipline and ensure safer roads nationwide.
From July 1, 2025, Australia’s tough new driving fines reflect a zero-tolerance attitude toward dangerous behaviours like speeding and mobile phone use.
These updates aren’t just about stricter rules—they’re designed to protect lives by pushing drivers to adopt safer habits.
- No more phone distractions
- Respect speed limits
- Monitor your demerit points
- Use hands-free and focus on the road
Stay informed, stay disciplined, and ensure you’re not just following the law—you’re contributing to safer roads for everyone.
FAQs
What’s the new fine for using a mobile phone while driving?
It’s now $745, plus 5 demerit points—a significant jump from the previous $534 fine.
Will these fines apply everywhere in Australia?
Yes—these changes are taking effect nationwide, with consistent enforcement across all states and territories.
Can I lose my licence under the new rules?
Absolutely. Accumulating 5+ demerit points, especially from serious offences like phone use or repeat speeding, could lead to licence suspension or even mandatory safety courses.