New Driving Fine Structure – From June 2025, drivers across Australia will face a new and stricter fine structure as part of a nationwide road safety overhaul. The Department of Roads & Transport Safety has officially released updated penalties aimed at reducing accidents and promoting responsible driving. These changes include higher fines, additional demerit points, and broader camera surveillance implementation.
This article explains everything you need to know about the new rules, fine amounts, offences covered, and how to pay or dispute a penalty.
Why New Driving Fine Structure ?
The driving fine reforms come in response to a steep increase in road accidents and traffic-related fatalities in 2024. After a year of national review and public consultation, the government has decided to introduce a tougher penalty system that applies across all states and territories.
Key objectives behind the new structure include:
- Reducing reckless driving and overspeeding
- Discouraging the use of mobile phones while driving
- Promoting adherence to road signage and pedestrian safety
- Updating outdated penalty rates from the previous decade
Summary of New Driving Fines Effective June 2025
The revised fine system significantly increases monetary penalties and demerit points. Below is a comprehensive table showing major violations and corresponding penalties.
Updated Driving Offences and Penalties from June 2025
| Offence | Old Fine Amount | New Fine Amount | Demerit Points | Suspension Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding (10-20 km/h over) | $275 | $440 | 2 | Low |
| Speeding (20-30 km/h over) | $440 | $700 | 4 | Medium |
| Speeding (30+ km/h over) | $700 | $1200 | 6 | High |
| Using Mobile Phone While Driving | $500 | $1000 | 5 | High |
| Running Red Light | $435 | $800 | 3 | Medium |
| No Seatbelt (Driver) | $330 | $600 | 3 | Medium |
| Drink Driving (First Offence) | $1100 | $2000 | 6 | Immediate |
| Driving Without Licence | $800 | $1500 | 0 | Vehicle Impound |
Also read
New Speed Camera Rules Across Australia
Speed and red-light camera usage will expand drastically from June 2025. Authorities have confirmed the installation of over 350 new cameras nationwide.
Important changes include:
- Mobile phone detection cameras now active in all major cities
- School zones will have permanent speed cameras installed
- Hidden cameras to be placed at high-accident intersections
Reminder: All offences detected by cameras will be directly linked to your license and vehicle registration.
How to Check and Pay Fines Online
Drivers can conveniently check or pay fines via the official portal of the Department of Roads & Safety.
Steps to Pay Your Fine:
- Visit the official payment portal
- Enter your fine reference number or vehicle registration
- Choose your payment method (Credit/Debit Card, BPAY, or Australia Post)
- Submit and download your receipt for reference
Important: Payments must be made within 28 days of issuance to avoid further penalties or court action.
FAQs – New Driving Fine Structure
Q1. When do the new fines come into effect?
All new penalties are effective from June 1, 2025.
Q2. Can I dispute a fine?
Yes, you can file a dispute online through the Appeals and Disputes Section.
Q3. Will there be warning notices before fines?
In most cases, camera-based fines are sent by post without prior warnings. Immediate enforcement applies to serious violations.
Q4. Are these fines applicable nationwide?
Yes, this is a national rollout with uniform penalties across all states and territories.
Q5. Can I request an extension to pay the fine?
Yes, you may apply for a payment extension or installment plan via the official portal.
Additional Penalties & Licence Suspension Risks
Certain offences under the new structure carry higher consequences beyond fines:
Table 2: Offences Leading to Licence Suspension
| Offence Category | Demerit Points | Automatic Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Second Drink Driving Offence | 10 | Yes |
| Speeding Over 45 km/h | 8 | Yes |
| Mobile Phone Violation (Repeat) | 10 | Yes |
| Accumulating 13 Points in 3 Months | — | Yes |
| Refusing Breathalyzer Test | 6 | Yes |
If you receive a suspension notice, you must immediately surrender your licence. Continued driving may lead to arrest and criminal charges.
Departmental Contact Details for Assistance
If you have questions about the new fine structure or payments, you can reach out to the Department of Roads & Safety:
Department of Roads & Safety – National Helpline
Phone: 1300 131 555
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (AEST)
Conclusion – New Driving Fine Structure
Australia’s updated driving fine system is a direct response to rising road safety concerns. The government aims to reduce fatalities, encourage cautious driving, and create safer roads for everyone. All drivers are advised to familiarize themselves with the new penalties and avoid behaviours that could result in hefty fines, demerit points, or licence suspensions.
