{"id":906042,"date":"2026-07-01T18:56:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T18:56:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/906042\/"},"modified":"2026-07-01T18:56:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-01T18:56:32","slug":"the-new-road-rules-and-penalties-now-in-effect-on-australian-roads","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/906042\/","title":{"rendered":"The new road rules and penalties now in effect on Australian roads"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Some road rules have tightened and others have expanded as the new financial year kicked off on Wednesday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Road-related costs including the price of penalties will also be adjusted in some states, as indexation is applied and state government schemes come into effect on July 1.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Further changes are also looming, with registration changes and fines for the parents of young e-bike riders yet to be implemented.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-178igh4-StyledParagraph e1s06mna1\">Know the news with the 7NEWS app: <a class=\"css-h2mhmv-StyledContextualLink e1s06mna0\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/app?utm_source=7NEWS&amp;utm_medium=contextual-link-app&amp;utm_campaign=7news-app\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Here is everything you need to know about the state-by-state changes.<\/p>\n<p>New South Wales<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Motorcyclist garb is the focus of July 1 changes to road rules in <a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/nsw\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">New South Wales<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">\u201cNovice motorbike riders are set to face tougher requirements under changes to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme,\u201d the National Roads and Motorists\u2019 Association <a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mynrma.com.au\/open-road\/news\/2026\/2026-road-rules-from-july-1\">(NRMA) said<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">\u201cLearner, P1, and P2 riders in the state <a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/mandatory-hi-vis-laws-coming-for-nsw-learner-and-provisional-motorcycle-riders-under-major-road-safety-overhaul-c-22269189\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">must wear approved protective glove<\/a>s at all times.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Learner riders  will also need to <a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/mandatory-hi-vis-laws-coming-for-nsw-learner-and-provisional-motorcycle-riders-under-major-road-safety-overhaul-c-22269189\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">wear an approved high-vis vest<\/a> or jacket under the new rules.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/9dcdac3044509a96c775d1f7c2065616a5524f77-16x9-x0y0w1280h720.jpg\" alt=\"High-visibility vests and approved protective gloves will become mandatory for NSW learner and provisional motorcycle riders from July 1 under major new road safety reforms.\" class=\"css-16r7l45-StyledImage en5ut4d0\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"720\" width=\"1280\"\/>High-visibility vests and approved protective gloves will become mandatory for NSW learner and provisional motorcycle riders from July 1 under major new road safety reforms. Credit: Motocap\/7NEWS<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">\u201cWe know gloves can almost halve the risk of hand and wrist injuries, and high-vis gear makes riders far easier for others to see,\u201d Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">The change will apply to thousands of young people, with 40 per cent of the  27,000 learner motorcycle licences issued each year going to people younger than 25.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">\u201cThese reforms are just the first stage of a broader package of enhancements aimed at strengthening safety for new riders by improving protective gear use, visibility, and training,\u201d Murray said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Beyond July 1, further changes will also affect drivers in NSW.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">The weekly $60 cap for road toll fees will be lowered to $50 for 12 months from from July 6. For the travel period starting on Monday, claims will open in October this year, Service NSW said.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/ef72301ac14bcb7710755a30411767691f9fc1df-16x9-x124y0w2188h1231.jpg\" alt=\"NSW motorists will benefit from a lower weekly toll cap and a one-off registration discount under new state measures.\" class=\"css-16r7l45-StyledImage en5ut4d0\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"1231\" width=\"2188\"\/>NSW motorists will benefit from a lower weekly toll cap and a one-off registration discount under new state measures. Credit: Darwin Brandis\/Getty Images<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\"><a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" href=\"https:\/\/www.service.nsw.gov.au\/transaction\/private-vehicle-registration-discount\">Registration renewals will also be slashed<\/a> in a one-off reduction to the annual motor vehicle tax, and will be applied to all vehicles with an effective renewal date sometime in the 12 months from September 2026.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">A $100 discount will be applied to car registrations, and an $80 discount will apply to motorbike registrations.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Between September 1 and August 31, 2027, car owners will be charged $100 less on registration renewals and motorcycle owners will get $80 off. The discount will be automatic on all renewal notices.<\/p>\n<p>Queensland<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Electric bikes and scooters have been targeted in the July 1 changes in <a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/qld\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Queensland<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Police will be allowed to seize and destroy illegal e-bikes and e-scooters and enforce random breath tests on riders, who will be limited to a 0.05 blood alcohol limit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">E-scooters, e-skateboards or e-unicycles will only be able to ride on roads with speed limits 60km\/h and lower, or in bike lanes.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">All e-vehicles will be restricted to speeds of 25km\/h on roads, and 12km\/h on footpaths or when passing pedestrians on shared roads.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">\u201cHigher penalties will apply for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers and riding e-scooters, e-skateboards or e-unicycles on prohibited roads from July 1,\u201d the NRMA said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Looking ahead to more looming rules, e-bike riders will need to be 16 or older and hold a valid drivers licence, which includes a learners permit.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">That rule comes into effect from August 31, and parents of offending youths will be fined if caught riding illegally.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">\u201cSome exemptions will apply, including medical conditions and disabilities and 12-17 year olds being allowed to ride under parental supervision,\u201d the NRMA said.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/883706cff2b11208e9bed6f38993dbf001ee7bc4-16x9-x0y0w1280h720.jpg\" alt=\"Queensland has introduced tougher laws for e-scooter and e-bike riders, including lower speed limits, harsher penalties and expanded police powers from July 1.\" class=\"css-16r7l45-StyledImage en5ut4d0\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"720\" width=\"1280\"\/>Queensland has introduced tougher laws for e-scooter and e-bike riders, including lower speed limits, harsher penalties and expanded police powers from July 1. Credit: Queensland GovernmentVictoria<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\"><a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/vic\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Victorian<\/a> motorists who fail to pay infringement notices by the initial due date will face higher penalty fees under changes that took effect on July 1.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">The reforms overhaul the state\u2019s infringement enforcement system by increasing the cost of unpaid fines.<\/p>\n<p>South Australia<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\"><a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/sa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">South Australian<\/a> motorists will pay more for speeding and drink driving offences from July 1 after annual penalty increases linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Fines for speeding have increased across every offence category:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"List css-1hqo8ex-StyledUnorderedList-StyledBaseList ev5pl0r2\">\n<li class=\"css-ixstzk-StyledTextListItem-StyledListItem ev5pl0r3\">Less than 10km\/h over limit:\u00a0$215 (previously $208)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"List css-1hqo8ex-StyledUnorderedList-StyledBaseList ev5pl0r2\">\n<li class=\"css-ixstzk-StyledTextListItem-StyledListItem ev5pl0r3\">10\u201320km\/h over:\u00a0$484 (previously $469)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"List css-1hqo8ex-StyledUnorderedList-StyledBaseList ev5pl0r2\">\n<li class=\"css-ixstzk-StyledTextListItem-StyledListItem ev5pl0r3\">20\u201330km\/h over:\u00a0$998 (previously $995)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"List css-1hqo8ex-StyledUnorderedList-StyledBaseList ev5pl0r2\">\n<li class=\"css-ixstzk-StyledTextListItem-StyledListItem ev5pl0r3\">30\u201345km\/h over:\u00a0$1,793 (previously $1,736)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul class=\"List css-1hqo8ex-StyledUnorderedList-StyledBaseList ev5pl0r2\">\n<li class=\"css-ixstzk-StyledTextListItem-StyledListItem ev5pl0r3\">45km\/h+ over:\u00a0$2,018 (previously $1,954)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Drink driving penalties have also increased, with motorists returning a blood alcohol concentration below 0.08 facing a fine of $904, up from $875.<\/p>\n<p>Western Australia<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">The <a class=\"css-1lg16vp-StyledTextLink ezegcyi0\" data-link-type=\"article-inline\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/wa\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">WA<\/a> government is considering enforcing a host of new laws for L-plate and P-plate drivers, following an extensive consultation period with the community.<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">Under the reforms, the minimum learner period doubles from six to 12 months, the provisional period stretches from two years to three, and the minimum supervised driving hours jump from 50 to 80 \u2014 including a doubling of required night hours from five to 10.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/66569de191098c05397eb03907258cfbbb83724a-16x9-x0y0w1280h720.jpg\" alt=\"Longer learner periods and more supervised driving are among proposed changes in WA.\" class=\"css-16r7l45-StyledImage en5ut4d0\" loading=\"lazy\" height=\"720\" width=\"1280\"\/>Longer learner periods and more supervised driving are among proposed changes in WA. Credit: Getty Images\/The West AustralianACT and Tasmania<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-1n6q21n-StyledParagraph e4e0a020\">There are no noted changes to traffic laws or infringements in these states other than fine increases indexed to inflation.<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"css-6fiqrm-StyledLinkWrapper e1y7kr221\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/how-the-solar-sharer-offer-could-cut-your-electricity-bill-with-three-hours-of-free-power-every-day-from-today-c-22512425\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Are you eligible for three hours of free electricity every day?<\/p>\n<p class=\"css-xp0jgm-StyledTimeToRead e1y7kr223\">3 min read<\/p>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"css-6fiqrm-StyledLinkWrapper e1y7kr221\" href=\"https:\/\/7news.com.au\/news\/man-fights-for-life-after-golf-buggy-fall-on-hamilton-island-c-22511463\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>Golf buggy driver fights for life after fall on popular tourist island <\/p>\n<p class=\"css-xp0jgm-StyledTimeToRead e1y7kr223\">2 min read<\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Some road rules have tightened and others have expanded as the new financial year kicked off on Wednesday.&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":906043,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[2],"tags":[366659,4740,366660,64,7740,4219,1165,366661,6459,115292,50,9645,9309,366662,48727,5236,17476,21006,262136,366663,1164,16571,8344,8632,288715],"class_list":["post-906042","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-news","tag-adelaide-traffic","tag-australia","tag-brisbane-queensland-traffic","tag-business","tag-car-accidents","tag-crime","tag-lifestyle","tag-melbourne-victoria-traffic","tag-money","tag-motoring","tag-news","tag-nsw-news","tag-nsw-police","tag-perth-traffic","tag-queensland-news","tag-queensland-police","tag-sa-news","tag-sponsored-content","tag-sydney-nsw-traffic","tag-traffic-general","tag-travel","tag-vic-news","tag-victoria-police","tag-wa-news","tag-western-australia-police"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/116846251677437866","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/906042","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=906042"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/906042\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/906043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=906042"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=906042"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=906042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}