Australia New Driving Laws Start August 2025: New Road Rules Will Be Implemented in Australia from 1 August 2025 – Important for Every Driver to Know If you live in Australia and drive a vehicle, then there is a very important news for you. From August 1, 2025, new road rules are going to be implemented across Australia. The purpose of these changes is – to increase road safety, reduce accidents and upgrade driving according to modern technology.
Whether you are a young driver, senior citizen, P-platers i.e. new license holders or commercial drivers, these rules are important for everyone. These rules have been made in accordance with the National Road Safety Action Plan and international standards.
In this article, we will give complete information about these new rules in simple and detailed so that you can get updated in time and avoid heavy fines or license suspension.
Brief Overview of the New Road Rules
These new road rules for 2025 mainly focus on three major areas:
- Distracted driving i.e. accidents caused by distraction
- Increasing the safety of young drivers
- Inclusion of new technologies such as electric vehicles (EVs)
These changes include – strict ban on mobile phones, extension of P1 license duration, health test for senior citizens, and modern provisions like EV-only lanes.
Now let’s know in detail what is included in these new rules.
Important Changes for All Drivers
Use of Mobile Phone – Now Very Strict Rules
Now it is completely prohibited for all drivers in Australia to use mobile phones in their hands. This includes not only making calls, but also changing music, checking GPS, or doing any other work by touching the screen.
- Violating this in NSW will result in a fine of up to $1,625 and 5 demerit points.
- Hands-free devices are now mandatory. That means if you need to talk on the phone or check GPS, use a valid mounted device or Bluetooth.
- Mobile phones are strictly prohibited for P-platers in particular – they cannot use any phone hands-free or handheld.
Example: If a P1 driver is found to be using his phone hands-free while driving, he risks a straight fine and licence suspension.
Special Lanes for Electric Vehicles (EV)
- EV-only lanes are now being introduced on major highways such as the M4 and M7 in NSW and Victoria during peak hours.
- The aim is to promote green driving.
- If you drive in an EV lane without an EV, you will face a fine equivalent to a loading zone violation.
- In addition, blocking EV charging stations will now also attract a fine.
Note: Only registered electric vehicles can drive in EV lanes, not hybrids.
Pedestrian Priority
- Drivers will now be required to give way to pedestrians at crosswalks and in areas where they indicate their intention to cross the road.
- The speed limit in residential areas has been reduced to 40 km/h, from 50 km/h earlier.
- The aim is to increase the safety of children, the elderly and pedestrians.
Seatbelt Compliance Mandatory
- It is now mandatory for rear passengers to wear seatbelts as well.
- If a passenger is found without a seatbelt, AI-powered cameras will identify his vehicle and send a fine directly.
- The fine amount can be up to $961.
- This rule will be applicable uniformly across the country, no matter where you are driving.
Stricter Rules for P-Plate Drivers
P1 License Duration Increased
- Now the P1 license will be valid for 18 months, up from 12 months.
- The aim is to increase the experience of new drivers on the roads and reduce accidents.
Night Driving Curfew
- P1 drivers under the age of 21 will be prohibited from driving between 11pm and 5am.
- However, if they are going out for work or study, they can be exempted by showing proof.
Passenger Limit
- P1 and P2 drivers will be allowed to take only one companion passenger aged 16–21 at a time.
- This limit will not apply if accompanied by an experienced, fully-licensed adult.
Advanced Hazard Perception Test
- It will now be mandatory to pass an advanced safe driving test to move from P1 to P2.
- This test will contain questions that determine whether the driver can recognize danger in time.
Special Conditions for Senior Citizen Drivers (70 Years and Above)
Medical Assessment Mandatory
- Drivers aged 70 years and above will be required to pass vision and reflex tests every year.
- Road tests may also be mandatory for those 75 years and above.
- Some drivers may receive a “conditional licence”, which will prohibit night or long-distance driving.
Fitness-to-Drive Form
- Seniors will have to fill out and submit their medical form on their state’s transport portal.
- If someone fails to do so, their licence can be suspended.
Read more: USA Retirement Age Increase in 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Special Rules by State
Victoria
- Now if you are passing an emergency vehicle with its lights on, you will have to reduce the speed to 40 km/h – even if it is parked on the median.
South Australia
- From 19 May 2025, you will have to reduce the speed to 25 km/h when passing any breakdown vehicle with amber lights on.
Queensland
- School zones will now have high-speed cameras that will identify vehicles passing by at high speeds.
Western Australia
- For example In areas such as Margaret River, urban speed limits have been reduced to 60 km/h, down from 70–110 km/h previously.
How to Comply with the New Rules?
Update Information
- Visit each state’s transport website, such as VicRoads or Service NSW, to read the latest rules.
Fix Hands-Free Devices
- Make sure you have a valid mobile phone mount or Bluetooth system installed to ensure you stay within the rules.
Vehicle Checks
- If you have an EV or 4WD, make sure it complies with the Euro 6d emissions standard – this becomes mandatory from 2025.
Tips for Seniors
- Book medical tests in advance to avoid delays in licence renewals.
Avoid Scams
- Always use official websites such as www.ntc.gov.au or www.servicesaustralia.gov.au for information.
Conclusion – Big Change in the World of Driving
The new road rules that will come into effect in Australia from 1 August 2025 are not just a change in rules, but a big step towards a safe and sustainable future.
- Strict ban on mobile phones
- Strict rules for P-platers
- Medical assessment for senior citizens
- Promotion of electric vehicles
- Every driver must strictly follow the rules of pedestrians and speed limits
If you prepare for these rules in time, not only can you avoid heavy fines (eg $1,625), but you can also keep your and others’ lives safe.