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Effective from July 1 2025, penalties have intensified for mobile phone-related offences in Australia. AI surveillance technology in all states encompasses almost all components of mobile phone usage, including holding and touching them – even at stoplights. The fines stand as high as $1250, along with 5 demerit points. This shows a serious crackdown across all states in Australia purported to reduce serious distractions while driving that can lead to severe accidents.
Increased Penalties for Not Wearing Seatbelts
In New South Wales, seat belt offences now attract fines of $423 for the first time. AI cameras to be deployed in the future will be able to spot drivers and passengers who are not wearing seatbelts, whether or not they were in plain view before. There is a clear shift in paradigm towards the use of technology to enhance compliance with road safety measures.
Lowered Speed limits and Increased speed cameras
In Queensland, certain pedestrian zones have had speed limits reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h. Average speed cameras, which until recently were used primarily for heavy vehicles, have recently been deployed to monitor the use of cars and motorcycles on major highways including the Pacific and Hume Highways in New South Wales. Speeding fines have been adjusted and increased, reflecting a more aggressive approach toward the issue of driving at unsafe speeds.New Rules Gaining Traction in Emergency Vehicles
As from mid 2025 onwards, it is a requirement for all drivers any given location in Australia to slow down to 40 km/h, and 25 km in South Australia, and to 25 km/h in South Australia, when passing stationary emergency vehicles containing flashing lights and other vehicles of assistance on the road. These rules are to protect the emergency workers and also reduce road risks. Fines given for not complying with these rules range from $1,000 to $1,600 and might also attract demerit points.
The government enforcing these rules is a result of the increasing road deaths, which are the highest in Australia over the last 15 years. Removing the ticketless parking fines in New South Wales also ensures that drivers are more informed on the rules. These fines, in combination with the other offences which have lower fines, target chronic offenders, showing that aggressive driving behaviour will not be tolerated.
Drivers in Australia are reminded that the rules should be followed to the letter so that the expensive fines and demerits are not accumulated. Along with the other rules in existence, these attempts show that the government is very serious about other drivers in Australia.