In 2025, the Australia government is implementing several changes to the rules of the road. They want to promote safety, ease congestion, and the dangers of reckless driving and distracted driving.
Increased Fines for Mobile Phone Use
Driving while talking on the phone is one of the most contentious issues. In Queensland and New South Wales, fines now exceed $1,000, and phone users on the road incur additional demerit points. Police are able to catch offenders in most parts of the country and unwavering phone-distraction related accidents using the powerful mobile phone camera and increasing phone-use cameras on streets.
Increased Regulation of Speeding
Increased regulation of mobile phone use while driving. In particular heavy vehicles and in risk zone. In Victoria the limit on easily excessing the limit of 25 km/h is now over $1,500 and losing a license for a long time. There is still over 5,000 km of roads in Victoria that are the main area of road traffic accidents in the country.
All Users of Motorbikes and E-Scooters Must Wear Safety Equipment
All motorcycle and e-scooter users now have to comply to the following regulations. As of September, this includes scooters. Helmets will require Australian standards approval, reflective vests are becoming mandatory, and vests are still recommended for night riding in heavily congested downtown areas. This comes after concerning numbers of major injuries caused by micro-mobility, especially in downtown areas where scooter usage has skyrocketed for convenient distance travel.
Seniors and Driving Tests
Shift changes for drivers 75 end. Some areas have started to require medical documentation for license renewal, with some medical assessments requiring patients to complete a driving assessment. Authorities have said this is not intended to punish seniors. Renewed and revised assessments are meant to tether drivers to ensure they are still assured safe and confident driving capabilities.
Vehicle Registration and Fines
Since Australia started fining drivers for operating an unregistered vehicle, it has always been considered an extremely serious crime. With the upcoming increase in 2025, it has become even more of a gamble. In the majority of states, if they are apprehended, the fine is a soft $7,500. The government claims this is to ensure every vehicle that is used has insurance and tax payable, to make the roads safe for the drivers and people using it.
Parking and Urban Regulations
In the fight against congested cities, Urban areas have started innovating with new parking strategies. Legally obtaining a parking permit in disabled and bus zones and zones marked with no parking is a much more expensive in New South Wales. The fee can reach $362. The councils have cited increases in public safety and accessibility complaints as a main reason in the increased enforcement policy. People are encouraged to pay more attention to campaigns. Authorities have stated that the campaigns are primarily aimed at promoting a safer driving culture.