New Traffic Regulations – Starting June 15, 2025, Australians will face one of the biggest overhauls in road safety enforcement as new traffic regulations come into effect across all states and territories. The government has introduced stricter penalties, zero-tolerance enforcement for repeat offenders, and increased monitoring on highways and school zones. The reforms are designed to curb rising road fatalities and dangerous driving incidents, which have seen a sharp spike over the past year. Law enforcement authorities have warned that there will be no leniency for violations starting from the implementation date. Repeat offenders, particularly for mobile phone usage, seatbelt non-compliance, and over-speeding, will be subject to higher demerit points, instant fines, and even license suspension under specific conditions. These changes aim to reduce road trauma, especially among young drivers and pedestrians in high-risk areas. The National Road Safety Commission emphasized that these new measures are backed by extensive data and public feedback. An aggressive awareness campaign has also been launched to inform motorists through SMS alerts, radio ads, and local council notices. Drivers are advised to familiarise themselves with the updated rules to avoid costly fines and penalties. The revised laws will affect both private and commercial drivers, with notable changes in fine amounts, point deductions, and enforcement authority roles.
Key New Traffic Regulations Changes Effective From June 15
The new traffic rulebook introduces increased fines, immediate penalties, and broader police authority for roadside enforcement.
- All mobile phone use while driving will now attract instant fines.
- Over-speeding by 10km/h or more will lead to license points and monetary fines.
- Repeat DUI offenders will face mandatory license suspension.
- School zones will be under 24/7 camera surveillance.
- Seatbelt non-compliance will attract double the current fine.
- All offenses now require mandatory ID verification upon ticketing.
- Commercial vehicle drivers face additional scrutiny on route and break compliance.
| Offense Category | Previous Fine (AUD) | New Fine (AUD) | Demerit Points | Enforcement Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile Phone Use | 496 | 725 | 5 | Instant Camera/Officer |
| Speeding 10–20km/h | 309 | 470 | 3 | Mobile Radar Units |
| DUI (Repeat Offense) | 1,100 | 2,250 | 10 | License Suspension |
| No Seatbelt | 344 | 690 | 4 | Patrol/Camera |
| Red Light Violation | 464 | 720 | 3 | Intersection Cameras |
| School Zone Speeding | 267 | 520 | 4 | 24/7 Surveillance |
| Commercial Driver Breach | 580 | 950 | 6 | Mobile Compliance Teams |
New Traffic Regulations for Repeat Offenders
Motorists who are caught committing the same offense more than once in a 12-month window will now face serious consequences under the repeat-offender provisions.
New Rules for Second-Time Violators
The updated regulations include stiffer fines and automatic reviews of licenses for habitual offenders.
- Two offenses of mobile phone use = 90-day license suspension.
- Three red-light violations = Mandatory defensive driving course.
- Second DUI = Immediate one-year suspension with no appeal.
| Repeat Offense | Penalty Introduced | Enforcement Authority |
|---|---|---|
| 2x Mobile Phone Offense | 90-Day Suspension | Police + Transport NSW |
| 3x Red Light Violations | Defensive Driving Course Order | Magistrate’s Office |
| 2x DUI within 1 Year | 12-Month License Suspension | State Transport Dept |
Additional New Traffic Regulations for High-Risk Zones
Some areas are marked as high-risk due to pedestrian density, traffic congestion, or prior accident statistics. These zones will be under permanent surveillance and stricter penalties.
Special Enforcement in Designated Zones
Enforcement is now focused on areas such as school districts, hospital roads, and CBDs.
- Hospital zones: Emergency lane misuse now attracts $820 fines.
- School zones: Speeding penalties doubled during hours and on weekends.
- City Centres: Illegal U-turns and pedestrian crossing violations strictly penalised.
| Zone Type | Offense | Penalty (AUD) | Monitoring Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hospital Zone | Blocking Emergency Lane | 820 | On-Site Officer |
| School Zone | Speeding | 520 | 24-Hour Cameras |
| CBD Areas | Illegal U-Turns/Crossing Fail | 700 | Intersection Monitoring |
New Traffic Regulations – Commercial Driver Compliance Reforms
Fleet and truck drivers are also under the new regulation radar with updated limits and tracking measures.
National Road Freight Monitoring System
All commercial drivers must now comply with rest limits, and violations will be tracked digitally via GPS logs.
- Maximum driving hours capped at 10 hours/day.
- All rest breaks to be registered on digital logs.
- Non-compliance leads to instant fines and suspension.
| Rule Type | Requirement | Penalty for Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Max Daily Driving Hours | 10 Hours | $1,000 Fine |
| Rest Log Recording | Mandatory Digital Tracking | $750 Fine |
| Route Deviation | Pre-Approval Needed | $920 Fine |
Enforcement and Payments
The new rules will be enforced by a combination of police patrols, mobile enforcement units, and AI-driven road cameras.
All fines must be paid online at www.service.nsw.gov.au or in person at any local Service NSW centre. Failure to pay may result in additional late fees, court summons, or license cancellation.
You can check your fine status or appeal by visiting www.revenue.nsw.gov.au.
The government has clarified that there will be no grace period after implementation. All drivers, including interstate and foreign license holders, must comply from June 15. Authorities recommend checking your demerit points and reviewing updated rules via official state transport websites.
Department Contacts for Complaints and Queries
For all enforcement-related queries or complaints regarding the new rules:
- NSW Road Safety Enforcement Division
- Phone: 1300 138 118
- Email: [email protected]
- National Road Rules Complaints Unit
- Phone: 1800 625 002
- Online: www.roadcomplaints.gov.au
- Revenue NSW (For Fines & Payments)
- Phone: 1300 655 805
- Website: www.revenue.nsw.gov.au
FAQs of Traffic Regulations
1. When do the new traffic regulations take effect?
June 15, 2025.
2. What happens if I’m caught using my mobile while driving?
You will receive a $725 fine and 5 demerit points.
3. Will these laws apply to all states in Australia?
Yes, this is part of a national enforcement strategy.
4. Can I appeal a fine or suspension?
Yes, through www.revenue.nsw.gov.au or your local magistrate’s court.
5. What are the new DUI repeat offender rules?
A second DUI offense within 12 months leads to immediate 12-month license suspension.
