Australia has put into effect new road rules and regulations for all motorists starting on July 1, 2025, which include certain ATF violations, for example, not reducing speed to 40 km/h around emergency vehicles will incur a fine of roughly $961 (approx $965). This fine is in addition to other legal reforms aimed at improving safety and is part of a new legislative framework to provide enhanced road safety Australia-wide.
Drivers are now required to reduce speed to 40 km/h around emergency and incident response vehicles, tow trucks, and other roadside assistance vehicles equipped with flashing lights, or they will incur very harsh fines. The maximum fine is $961, while the average fine for such violations is $346. Although there are no demerit points associated with the violations, the fine reflects the enforcement intent to protect roadside and emergency personnel.
Critical Information for All Drivers
In addition, other states such as Victoria, and South Australia are deemed to enforce the widened rules to require vehicles on the road to reduce speed around tow trucks and emergency vehicles with flashing lights. The fines for these violations are $961 for basic violations with higher fines for more severe violations (e.g., $1648 in South Australia for not reducing speed next to emergency vehicles).
Australia Traffic Fines Overview — July 2025 Update
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Effective Date | July 1, 2025 |
| Key Violation | Failure to reduce speed to 40 km/h near emergency vehicles, incident response, tow trucks with flashing lights |
| Fine for Key Violation | Up to $961 (approx. $965); average fine around $346 |
| Demerit Points | None for this specific violation |
| State Variations | Victoria & South Australia enforce similar rules; South Australia fine can reach $1,648 for severe cases |
| Other Fine Increases | Mobile phone use fines: $423 (NSW), $1,250 (Queensland); fines adjusted yearly for inflation |
| Purpose of Fines | Enhance road safety; protect emergency and roadside workers |
| Additional Info | Australia is stringent with enforcement and issues high fines for road violations, especially mobile phone use |
These amendments come with a range of other increases in mobile phone use fines, speed violations, and other traffic infractions across Australia which are adjusted yearly with inflation (CPI adjustments). For instance, fines for mobile phone usage while driving have reached $423 in New South Wales and $1250 in Queensland.
Australia Traffic Fines
The Australian motorists need to brace themselves for these exorbitant fines. Australia in general is known for being stringent with enforcing new fines, and veneral violations of the road and those in the vicinity. Australia has always been known to issue heavy fines for excess mobile and phone usage while driving.