Australia has introduced extensive road safety reforms and new national driving licence and passenger regulations from 2025 onwards. The new reforms will target modern challenges faced by motorists with penalties for distracted driving, non-compliance with safety restraints, and reckless driving. These reforms will promote the safety of motorists, passengers, and roadside workers.
The new reforms for driving licences target specifically overseas visitors and older drivers. From July 2025, overseas drivers from non-reciprocating countries will go through a practical component in obtaining a provisional licence in Australia, a considerable change from the current situation. Policy amendments for motorists 70 and older will mean more frequent mandatory health assessments. While not all seniors will face road assessments, these policies will help ensure that drivers on Australian roads will not pose risks due to inexperience or health issues.
Improved Passenger and Seatbelt Regulations
Toughened passenger protection measures including seatbelt laws take effect in Australia in 2025. Fines for seatbelt offences will be higher, and enforcement will be strengthened through the use of new, remote violation detecting and monitoring AI cameras. Smoking in cars with children remains banned, now reclassified as a distracted driving violation under federal law. To reduce passenger distraction and prioritize seatbelt use, seatbelt laws are expected to achieve the primary goal of reduced road injury.
Discouraging Distracted Driving
Eating and drinking in cars, as well as smoking, are now classified as driving distractions and will receive substantial fines and demerit points. Australian road safety practitioners cite the strong correlation between risky driving behaviors and the likelihood of a tip-over, and the new laws aim to encourage safe driving through penalties. License suspension is a possible consequence for repeat offenders, and new advertising is directed to motorists to abolish the practice of excessive road multitasking.
Slower Speeds Near Roadside Assistance
A historic provision now states that drivers must slow down to 25 km/h when passing breakdown service vehicles with flashing amber lights. This provision is to ensure the safety of the roadside workers as well as the stranded passengers. This also reduces the chances of secondary incidents while emergency assists are in progress. This is a vulnerable situation under the highway safety act and is subjected to large fines for noncompliance as a underlining virtue of the act. This provision is of great importance to the government.
Penalty Increases and Expanded Enforcement
2025 has already seen an increase in the fines for the more common illegal roadside behaviors, such as speeding, crossing a red light, and illegal phone use while driving. The use of AI cameras is now more advanced and widespread to include phone and seatbelt violators. Reinforced ‘predictable rules’ will reduce interstate driving confusion, as elaborated by the policymakers.
Table of Key Updates (Form Data)
| Rule/Update | Old Penalty | New Penalty (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phone Use | $500, 4 pts | $750, 6 pts |
| Seatbelt Offences | $350 | $500, 4 pts |
| Breakdown Vehicle Zone | None | 25 km/h speed limit |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What are the major new road rules in Australia for 2025?
In 2025, Australia drivers face increased fines for speeding, phones, and seatbelt offenses and more severe laws on distracted driving.
Q2: Do overseas license holders have new requirements?
Yes, non-recognised countries’ drivers must complete a practical test to obtain a provisional license, effective July 2025.
Q3: What is the seatbelt law change?
There is more advanced monitoring for seatbelt use and increased fines.
