From July 2025, new interstate driving laws for all of Australia will be enforced for road safety against distracted driving and emission harm. This coordinated and modernising effort between the federal and state governments sets to reduce the number of accidents. Motorists are strongly encouraged to become conversant with these changes as a failure to adhere to them would bring into effect stiff penalties and license points
Heightened Penalties for Phone Use
One of the major changes will be tougher enforcement of phone use while driving. Commencing July, a bigger penalty will be grown given to anybody using handheld devices whereas driving: a \$750 fine and 4 demerit points may be imposed. Repeat offenders may be subjected to holding of licenses. This includes use of the phone at red lights or in slow traffic and intends to prevent a further rise in incidents of distracted driving.
Speedandraux Law in School Zones
Speed limits will be strictly enforced in school zones with changed time zones for working and an extended range of speed cameras. The drivers must slow down to 30 km/h within this school precinct during morning and afternoon peak hours of drop-off and pick-up. New digital signs will be installed to clearly mark these areas, and the failure to comply with the speed limit will result in instant automatic issuance of fines.
Emissions and Vehicle Compliance Inspections
To curb urban pollution, new vehicle emission compliance inspections shall be set across metropolitan cities. These inspections might be random as drivers of older petrol and diesel cars look down to areas around Sydney and Melbourne. If their vehicles fail the inspection, they are fined and could even be restricted from using these vehicles at peak hours.
Amendments in Enforcement for Learners and P-platers
There are changes in safeguards for L-plates and P-plates. Learners will now have to prove 130 hours of supervised driving (up from 120 hours), while provisional drivers will be banned from driving high-powered vehicles for an extra 12 months. These changes seek to curb the alarming accident rates of young drivers.
Be Updated to Keep Driving Illegally
With these reforms set to be in place by July 2025, all the drivers are advised to visit their respective state road authorities for any updates on these changes. Inability to abide by the provision does not mean one will not be punished on account of ignorance of the law.