New Fines, Lower Limits: What You Need to Know

Australia’s about to tighten the screws on motorists, and if you’re someone who tows a van, punches out big kilometres between states, or just spends a lot of time behind the wheel, it’s worth getting across the changes for fines coming in from July 1.

From higher fines and stricter phone rules to surprise slow-down zones and camera upgrades, these updates could hit where it hurts if you’re not paying attention. Here’s what touring drivers, grey nomads and weekend warriors need to know.

Mobile Phone Use: Expect to Cop It

If you reckon pulling up at the lights and checking your phone is safe, think again. From July 1, fines for illegal mobile phone use are increasing almost everywhere, with the most savage hit coming in Queensland. $1250 plus demerits. That’s a lot of fuel, or a new winch, gone in a blink.

In NSW, the fine jumps to $423 for standard use, and $561 in a school zone, with the usual 5 demerits turning into 10 during double demerit periods. And it’s not just phones on the radar. Smartwatches, tablets, and music players are also on the naughty list.

New Speed Limits and Fines: Slow Down or Pay Up

Speed limits are getting trimmed across a bunch of states, especially in tourist-heavy zones where you’re likely to be rolling through in a van or wagon.

Victoria now enforces 40km/h around tow trucks, roadside assist and incident vehicles, even on freeways.

WA is reducing limits on 550+ roads across the Margaret River region, with some high-pedestrian areas dropping to 40km/h.

Queensland is lowering limits on parts of Hervey Bay Esplanade and surrounds.

South Australia now forces you to slow to 25km/h when passing flashing lights on multi-lane roads, with fines up to $1895.

If you’re travelling interstate, don’t assume the rules are the same as home. These changes stack fast and, let’s face it, speed limit signs on unfamiliar roads are easy to miss when you’re watching the map, the road, and the GVM.

Average Speed Cameras: Now Targeting Everyone

Previously aimed at trucks, average speed cameras are now being expanded to include cars and bikes in NSW. The first two locations are on key touring routes:

Pacific Highway (Kew to Lake Innes)

Hume Highway (Coolac to Gundagai)

If you’ve ever been tempted to make up time between bakery stops, it’s time to rein it in because these cameras now care how long your entire stretch takes, not just how fast you passed the last cop car.

Practical Takeaways for Tourers and Towing Setups

If you’re heading off on a big lap, crossing borders for a long-range trip, or even just doing a school holidays run to the coast with the camper in tow, here’s the key advice:

Stay off the phone. Even stationary at lights, even mounted. It’s just not worth the hit.

Check the speed limit often. Especially in regional towns and near roadworks, signage changes regularly.

Watch for flashing lights. Emergency services, tow trucks, and roadside assist now trigger slow-down zones in multiple states.

Know your gear. Your cruise control might be set for 100km/h, but the road might now be 90. Don’t assume.

Why It Matters

Most of us aren’t running red lights or drag racing. But the more time you spend on the road  (especially towing or fully loaded) the more chances there are to accidentally cop a fine. These new rules aren’t just about cracking down on hoons. They’ll catch everyday tourers who didn’t get the memo.

So before your next trip, give your rig a once-over … and maybe give the road rules a quick read too.