Changes being made to Australia’s road laws to enhance road safety are built on well-established patterns of driver behavior. Road safety advocates understand that these adjustments are the result of multiple years of research, analysis and monitoring of driver behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving. Having followed road safety reforms and innovations for over a decade, I’ve seen this process repeated and have linked dead weight road safety fines to a reduction in fatalities on school zone and roadside assistance breakdowns.
National Reduction of Speed Limits
All states have begun the process of instituting a decreased maximum speed limit in several areas with increased risk of accidents in order to improve driver response time. Early decreasing limit zones where Queensland achieved a 10 km/h speed reduction, such as the Cairns and Hervey Bay Esplanades, have seen a reduction in accidents and, therefore, have proven the efficacy of these zones. Similar openings for zones with a school zone limit of 30 km/h have been indicated in Tasmania under their Speed Management Strategy. By the end of this school year, South Australia will also have established 40 km/h zones surrounding schools on main road arteries.
With a maximum fine of $961,holders of drivers licenses in Victoria are now being forced to reduce their speed to 40 km/h when passing any roadside emergency assistance vehicle that has their emergency response lights flashing. Road safety advocates link this to the research indicating that speed is a factor in 25% of accidents. In the pedestrian zones of Western Australia, the speed limit has been set to 50 km/h and 40 km/h in order to legislate the flow of traffic.
Increases to Gear and Licensing Regulations
Motorcycle riders in New South Wales will now be required by law to wear gloves and a high visibility vest in addition to a helmet, starting in July as a part of New South Wales’ revised Graduated Licensing Scheme, New South Wales is increasing protective gear requirements. New South Wales is increasing protective gear requirements. New South Wales is increasing protective gear requirements. New South Wales is increasing protective gear requirements. New South Wales is also starting a new nation policy aimed at license revocations and denials, which will is also starting a new nation policy aimed at license revocations and denials, which will go into full force at the start of July.
All senior drivers now experience more frequent health check requirements: mandatory health assessments are required every year starting at age 80 and age 75 and older are required to do so. By the end of 2026, this will be the case in all states and territories. With age-related declines, this is a reasonable measure to ensure that road space is available for more senior drivers who are still capable of driving. Since late 2025, thousands of seatbelt offences have been recorded by AI cameras in the ACT.
Increased Offenses, Penalties, and Enforcement
By 2026, fines will be more expensive. In WA, using a mobile phone at the wheel will be $700 and extreme speeding will cost you $1,600. On the spot fines of $1,500 will be issued for hoon, drink, and unlicensed driving. Penalties for fines and defaults in Victoria will be more stringent than in South Australia, which has a fine of $1,648 and 7 demerits for driving 25 km/h over the limit when passing a stationary emergency services vehicle.
| Offense | State/Example | Fine (AUD) | Extra Penalty news.yahoo+1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobile phone use | WA | $700 | 4-5 demerits |
| Extreme speeding | National/WA | Up to $1,600 | Suspension possible |
| Ignore roadside slow-down | SA (25 km/h) | $1,648 | 7 demerits |
| Seatbelt violation (AI) | ACT | $400+ | Points vary |
| Fine default escalation | VIC (July 2026) | Variable increase | Licence impact |
Changes in Tech and Daily Safety
The use of AI technology in ACT has expanded to enable checks and phone detection, aiming to capture what goes unnoticed. With the introduction of additional ‘passing’ rules, such as those for slow-moving service vans, the number of worker strikes has been decreasing. In some states, learner supervisor liability is being shared.
These changes encourage the habit of looking left for bicycles and of easing off the throttle when approaching children. The real-life examples, especially the 40 km/h speed restrictions in Queensland, which have been shown to reduce the number of accidents, show that the authorities are consistently applying the rules.
Real-life examples of improving road safety.
After the road tolls were published in 2025, immediate action was necessary for the prevention of fatalities in 2026. A renewed focus was placed on addressing driver fatigue, phone use, and blasting the gas pedal. Families feel better when they hear stories in which grandma’s checks are a source of safety. The authorities are the first to stress the importance of education, but it is largely unregulated. Most states have transport websites, and one push notification is better than a breach of regulation.
FAQs
Q: Are the same speed rules in every state?
A: No, but many 40 km/h school zones. Visit your state’s transport website.
Q: How about those over 75?
A: For renewing a driver’s license, health assessments are required. This is the case for ALL drivers aged 80+ by the first quarter of 2026.
Q: Can I challenge a fine?
A: Yes, each state has their own methods. However, having a dash cam is in your favor, so act quickly.
