Latest news with #RoadRule79A
Sky News AU
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Sky News AU
Sweeping road rule changes bring harsher penalties across Australia from July 1 as residents urged to drive safely
New speed limits and increases to fines are set to take effect from July 1, as Australians are being urged to familarise with the changes or face strict penalties. Across the nation, AI will be rolled out to assist with the detection of mobile phone usage while driving, including touching, using or holding a device behind the wheel. Those caught by the advanced technology using their phones while driving can rack up to $1209 in fines and lose up to five demerit points. As further new road rules kick in from Tuesday, here are the changes to look out for across the nation: NSW The state is expected to introduce further surveillance from July 1, with drivers failing to wear seatbelts to face higher penalties. All penalties, fees and charges across the state will also increase by 3.2 per cent in line with the Consumer Price Index. Mobile phone detection cameras can also now detect those not wearing seatbelts. Tolls are set to increase on some of Sydney's motorways, including the M7, M2, M5 South West, NorthConnex, Lane Cove Tunnel, Eastern Distributor and the Cross City Tunnel. Victoria Drivers in Victoria will now be required to slow down to 40km/h when approaching and passing by any slow-moving (10km/h or lower) or stationary police, emergency or escort vehicles, under new changes to Road Rule 79A. This includes any tow trucks or incident response vehicles that are flashing red, yellow, blue or magenta lights or sounding an alarm. Failure to comply to the speed limit will result in fines of up to $961. Queensland The state is set to increase car registration and fines by 3.4 per cent from July 1, with speed limits to be reduced from 50km/h to 40km/h in some busy areas, including sections of the Hervey Bay Esplanade and its surrounding areas. Fines will increase for speeding, mobile phone and seatbelt violations. South Australia Drivers across SA will now be required to slow down to 25km/h when passing by an emergency roadside or breakdown recovery vehicle flashing amber lights on multi-lane roads. Those who fail to comply with the new rule will incur hefty penalties with fines of up to $1648 and the loss of up to seven demerit points. Western Australia WA drivers are urged to remain vigilant as hundreds of roads will have speed limits to reduced significantly in response to the state's road toll. The existing 80km/h speed limit on Oakover Road between Great Northern Hwy and Campersic Road will be dropped to 70km/h from July 2. Fines of up to $700 will apply to those using mobile phone behind the wheel, while excessive speeding in the state can rack up to $1600 in penalties.
Economic Times
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Economic Times
Australia's new road rules start on July 1; Massive fines, slashed speed limits, and AI cameras target drivers
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Sweeping changes to road rules across Australia will take effect on Tuesday, July 1, as state and federal governments move to reduce road fatalities and improve safety. The new laws affect everything from speeding and tolls to mobile phone use and vehicle registration South Wales (NSW) will introduce a 3.2 percent increase to all road-related penalties, fees, and charges. For example, the fine for using a mobile phone while driving will rise from A$410 to A$423. Importantly, existing mobile phone detection cameras will also be used to identify drivers not wearing speed cameras, previously used mostly for heavy vehicles, will now also target light vehicles, including passenger cars and motorcycles. Additionally, tolls will increase on several major Sydney roads, including the M7, M2, M5 South West, NorthConnex, Lane Cove Tunnel, Eastern Distributor, and the Cross City Queensland, speed limits in some busy pedestrian-heavy zones will drop from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. The fine for illegal mobile phone use will increase from A$1209 to A$1250, and car registration costs will also rise by 3.4 is expanding Road Rule 79A, which requires drivers to slow to 40 km/h when passing stationary roadside assistance, tow trucks, or emergency vehicles displaying lights or alarms. Offenders may face fines up to A$ South Australia, drivers will need to slow down to 25 km/h when passing stationary emergency or breakdown vehicles on multi-lane roads if the lights are flashing. Noncompliance could lead to fines up to A$1,648 and seven demerit Australia will reduce speed limits across hundreds of roads, with some dropping from 60 km/h to 50 km/h and others down to 40 km/h in high-foot traffic zones. The penalty for illegal mobile phone use will rise to A$700, while extreme speeding fines may reach A$ say the changes are part of a national push to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Australian roads. Road safety experts warn that distracted and speeding drivers remain a leading cause of accidents nationwide.'Every change is aimed at protecting lives,' a NSW Transport spokesperson said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Australia's new road rules start on July 1; Massive fines, slashed speed limits, and AI cameras target drivers
Sweeping changes to road rules across Australia will take effect on Tuesday, July 1, as state and federal governments move to reduce road fatalities and improve safety. The new laws affect everything from speeding and tolls to mobile phone use and vehicle registration fees. New South Wales (NSW) will introduce a 3.2 percent increase to all road-related penalties, fees, and charges. For example, the fine for using a mobile phone while driving will rise from A$410 to A$423. Importantly, existing mobile phone detection cameras will also be used to identify drivers not wearing seatbelts. Average speed cameras, previously used mostly for heavy vehicles, will now also target light vehicles, including passenger cars and motorcycles. Additionally, tolls will increase on several major Sydney roads, including the M7, M2, M5 South West, NorthConnex, Lane Cove Tunnel, Eastern Distributor, and the Cross City Tunnel. In Queensland, speed limits in some busy pedestrian-heavy zones will drop from 50 km/h to 40 km/h. The fine for illegal mobile phone use will increase from A$1209 to A$1250, and car registration costs will also rise by 3.4 percent. Victoria is expanding Road Rule 79A, which requires drivers to slow to 40 km/h when passing stationary roadside assistance, tow trucks, or emergency vehicles displaying lights or alarms. Offenders may face fines up to A$961. Live Events In South Australia, drivers will need to slow down to 25 km/h when passing stationary emergency or breakdown vehicles on multi-lane roads if the lights are flashing. Noncompliance could lead to fines up to A$1,648 and seven demerit points. Western Australia will reduce speed limits across hundreds of roads, with some dropping from 60 km/h to 50 km/h and others down to 40 km/h in high-foot traffic zones. The penalty for illegal mobile phone use will rise to A$700, while extreme speeding fines may reach A$1600. Authorities say the changes are part of a national push to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Australian roads. Road safety experts warn that distracted and speeding drivers remain a leading cause of accidents nationwide. 'Every change is aimed at protecting lives,' a NSW Transport spokesperson said.
Herald Sun
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Herald Sun
New road rules and increased fines to be rolled out July 1
Don't miss out on the headlines from Lifestyle. Followed categories will be added to My News. In an effort to combat Australia's high road toll, a host of new safety initiatives are being rolled out across the country next week. If you're worried about being smacked with an increased fine, here's everything you need to know. Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. Image: Julian Andrews. RELATED: I tried the $5 Kmart item hailed a game-changer for winter Don't touch your phone! Stricter restrictions around phone use - and higher fines because of it - is one of the biggest changes coming July 1. A wider rollout of AI-powered surveillance cameras for mobile detection will be used across the country, except the Northern Territory. These camera systems can detect and identify drivers who are touching their phones behind the wheel - and can result in up to $1209 in fines and five demerit points, depending on the state. Existing mobile phone detection cameras, and additional surveillance, in New South Wales will also be able to detect seatbelt use, which, as a result of the annual adjustment of the dollar penalty, means those caught will cop a $423 fine for not wearing one. RELATED: Aussie calls out parking error that could cost you $600 Don't be a part of the emergency In a number of states, rules around speed when emergency vehicles are nearby will be amended. In Victoria, an amendment to Road Rule 79A will require drivers to slow down to 40km/h while passing assistance vehicles, tow trucks or emergency vehicles that are flashing lights or sounding their alarm - including in freeways. Failure to comply may lead to fines of up to $961, but no demerit points. Drivers in South Australia will have to slow down to 25km/h when passing these kinds of vehicles on multi-lane roads. Unlike in Victoria, South Australians could cop penalties of up to $1648 and seven demerit points, as part of a safety campaign for the state. Slow down! Speed limits more generally in some states are also set to be lowered. In Western Australia, a 40km/h rule will be enforced in high pedestrian areas such as the Augusta town centre and other surrounding streets, in addition to the ongoing speed limit reduction trial currently occurring in the state. Queenslanders will also have to look out for speed limit reductions from 50km/h to 40km/h in areas such as the Hervey Bay Esplanade in an effort to keep drivers and pedestrians safe. Originally published as New road rules and increased fines to be rolled out July 1
Sky News AU
25-06-2025
- Automotive
- Sky News AU
New AI cameras, slashed speed limits and steep fines: The major road changes every driver in Australia needs to know
Drivers across Australia are being urged to prepare for major changes to road rules and penalties from July 1, as state and territory governments roll out new measures designed to combat the country's rising road toll. The sweeping reforms include harsher fines, reduced speed limits, and the widespread introduction of AI-powered enforcement cameras targeting mobile phone use and seatbelt violations. The most significant change across all jurisdictions is the expansion of artificial intelligence surveillance technology. New high-tech mobile phone detection cameras will be able to identify drivers who are using, touching or even holding a mobile phone while driving - including when stationary at red lights. These cameras operate in all conditions and are capable of monitoring multiple lanes simultaneously. If flagged by the system, images are reviewed by authorised staff before penalties are issued. Fines of up to $1,209 and five demerit points will apply for those caught, with the risk of licence suspension for repeat offenders. The introduction of these AI-enabled cameras has already shown results. In Tasmania, upgraded speed detection systems on the Tasman Bridge in Hobart are now catching more than 700 speeding drivers each week - a sharp increase compared to the older cameras, which recorded just 458 offences for the entire 2021–22 period. Across the state, 16 mobile speed cameras have logged over 60,000 offences in the past year. States are also tightening rules around seatbelt use. In New South Wales, existing mobile detection cameras will now also identify drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts. Between 2019 and 2023, 150 people died on NSW roads while not wearing one. From July 1, the state will also eliminate ticketless parking fines - a pandemic-era measure - after a barrage of complaints from motorists who were unaware they'd been fined. Physical notices will now be mandatory for most parking infringements. New South Wales is also taking the lead in trialling average speed cameras for light vehicles. While heavy vehicles such as trucks have been subject to this monitoring since 2010, the new trial targets regular cars and motorcycles. Cameras are currently installed on a 15-kilometre stretch of the Pacific Highway near Port Macquarie and a 16-kilometre section of the Hume Highway near Gundagai. Since May 1, warnings have been issued to drivers who exceed the by 30km/h or less, but from July 1, full penalties - including fines and demerit points - will apply. The trial will run until June 2026. In Victoria, amendments to Road Rule 79A mean drivers must now slow to 40km/h when passing any tow trucks, incident response vehicles or roadside assistance vehicles displaying flashing lights or sounding an alarm. Previously, the rule only applied to police or emergency vehicles that were stationary or moving at 10km/h or less. The change applies across all road types, including freeways, and comes with a fine of up to $961. However, no demerit points will be issued for this particular offence. Queensland will see a 3.4 per cent increase in car registration fees and all traffic-related fines. This change ends the former Labor government's planned freeze on fines and registration costs, which had been scheduled to remain in place until September 2025. Queensland will also reduce speed limits from 50km/h to 40km/h in high pedestrian and tourist areas, including the Hervey Bay Esplanade and surrounding urban zones. Fines for speeding, mobile phone use and seatbelt violations are also increasing. In South Australia, new rules require drivers to slow to 25km/h when passing a stationary roadside, emergency or breakdown vehicle displaying flashing amber lights - but only on multi-lane roads and not when travelling in the opposite direction. The penalties are among the harshest in the country, with a fine of up to $1,648 and seven demerit points for non-compliance. Authorities say the tougher rules are necessary to protect roadside workers and emergency responders from dangerous near misses. Western Australia is also stepping up enforcement. From July 1, drivers caught using a mobile phone while behind the wheel could face fines of up to $700 and the loss of five demerit points. Extreme speeding offences - including excessive speeding through school zones or urban areas - now attract fines in excess of $1600. The state has added six new mobile cameras in recent months, with four more slated for deployment on Perth freeways. Speed limits will be slashed across more than 1,800 regional roads, including the Margaret River to Prevelly corridor and Bayview Drive entering Gracetown, where existing limits of between 70 and 110km/h will drop to 60km/h. In the Augusta town centre and other areas with high pedestrian activity, a 40km/h limit will be enforced from next month. Authorities say the nationwide push - combining smarter technology with tougher penalties - is urgently needed to address a surge in serious road incidents. Many states have reported increases in road deaths, with enforcement agencies now relying on automation and AI to improve detection rates and reduce human error. Motorists across the country are being warned to familiarise themselves with their state's specific road rules ahead of July 1.
