As we approach the end of 2025, Australian motorists are facing some of the most significant changes to road regulations in recent history. These updates, effective from December 2025 and moving into the 2026 calendar year, aim to tackle the rising road toll through advanced technology and stricter enforcement.2 Whether you are a daily commuter in Sydney or a long-haul traveler in Western Australia, staying informed about these national and state-specific shifts is essential to avoid heavy fines and ensure your license remains secure.
The Nationwide Integration of AI-Powered Cameras
The most transformative change coming this December is the full-scale deployment of high-definition, AI-powered surveillance cameras across most Australian states. While previous years focused primarily on speed and red-light violations, the new systems are specifically calibrated to detect mobile phone usage and seatbelt non-compliance.4 These cameras use artificial intelligence to scan through windshields in real-time, identifying if a driver is holding a device or if a passenger is unrestrained.5 Unlike older mobile speed cameras, these units operate 24/7 in all weather conditions, making it nearly impossible to avoid detection if you are driving distracted.
Hefty Fines and Double Demerits Periods
Authorities have synchronized a major penalty hike to coincide with the December 2025 holiday season.6 In several jurisdictions, fines for high-risk offenses like using a handheld device or failing to secure a child restraint have climbed significantly.7 To further deter dangerous behavior during the Christmas and New Year break, a strict double demerits period will be in effect.8 During this window, even a single mistake can lead to the immediate loss of a license for P-platers or a massive dent in the point balance for unrestricted drivers.
Comparison of Penalty Increases and Rules for late 2025
| Offense Category | Key Change (Dec 2025/Jan 2026) | Typical Penalty Range |
| Mobile Phone Use | AI detection for hands-free & Bluetooth for P-Platers | $540 – $1,209 + 5 Demerits |
| Seatbelt Misuse | Automatic detection of unrestrained passengers | $423 – $1,100 + 3 Demerits |
| Emergency Vehicles | Slowing to 40km/h (25km/h in SA) when passing | Up to $961 |
| School Zones | Increased focus on new 30km/h zones in some states | $600 – $1,100+ |
The “Slow Down, Move Over” Expansion
A critical rule change that many drivers may overlook involves the “Slow Down, Move Over” laws.10 Previously, these laws were largely restricted to police and ambulance vehicles. As of late 2025, the mandate has expanded in many states to include tow trucks, roadside assistance vehicles (like the NRMA or RACV), and even garbage trucks with flashing lights.11 In states like Victoria and New South Wales, drivers must now reduce their speed to 40km/h when passing these stationary vehicles on any road.12 In South Australia, the limit is even stricter at 25km/h.13 Failure to comply is being treated as a high-risk safety violation with immediate demerit penalties.
Strict Restrictions for Learner and Provisional Drivers
Younger and novice drivers face the toughest crackdown this December. New regulations in several states now explicitly forbid any interaction with digital interfaces, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, for Red P-platers.14 Even if the phone is mounted or connected via Bluetooth, touching the screen to change a song or check a map is strictly prohibited. For many P1 and P2 holders, committing a mobile phone offense during the Christmas double demerits period will result in a minimum three-month license suspension, as the demerit points incurred will exceed their lower limit of four or seven points.
New Urban Speed Dynamics and Pedestrian Zones
In a bid to achieve “Vision Zero” (zero road deaths), major metropolitan hubs are reclassifying many 50km/h residential and high-pedestrian streets into 40km/h or even 30km/h zones.15 This shift is particularly prominent in Queensland and Victoria. Authorities have emphasized that these changes are data-driven, as survival rates for pedestrians hit by cars increase exponentially when vehicle speeds are kept under 40km/h.16 Drivers should keep a sharp eye out for updated signage in suburban shopping strips and school precincts where these new limits are being actively enforced with mobile speed cameras.
Permanent Demerit Point Rewards in NSW
On a more positive note for responsible motorists, the New South Wales government has announced the permanent status of its demerit point reward program starting in late 2025.17 Under this scheme, unrestricted license holders who maintain a perfectly clean driving record for a 12-month period can have one demerit point removed from their total. This initiative serves as an incentive for drivers to consciously follow the new rules, proving that the government’s goal is behavior modification rather than just revenue collection.
FAQs
1. When does the double demerits period start for Christmas 2025?
In most states like NSW, ACT, and WA, the period typically begins on December 24, 2025, and runs through January 4, 2026. However, Western Australia often starts earlier, around December 19.
2. Can I use GPS on my phone if I am a P-plater? In many states, P1 (Red) and P2 (Green) drivers are strictly prohibited from using any function of a mobile phone, including GPS, even if it is in a cradle. Always check your specific state’s transit website as rules vary between jurisdictions.
3. Do the new AI cameras only catch speeding?
No. The latest generation of AI cameras is specifically designed to detect if you are holding a phone, have a device in your lap, or if you or your passengers are not wearing seatbelts correctly.
Disclaimer
The content is intended for informational purposes only. you can check the officially sources our aim is to provide accurate information to all users.
