Australia’s New Road Rules Take Effect July 1, 2025 – What Every Driver Needs to Know

Starting July 1, 2025, Australian drivers will face a major overhaul of road rules designed to improve safety, sustainability, and traffic efficiency across the country. The federal and state governments are rolling out new laws that will impact cyclists, EV drivers, micromobility users, and all road users alike.

🔑 Key Updates Include:

Stricter mobile phone laws: Total ban on touching devices while driving, with heavy fines and AI camera enforcement.

Cyclist passing distance: Mandatory minimum passing distances, especially at higher speeds.

Electric vehicle (EV) lanes: Priority lanes for EVs in city centres to reduce congestion and promote clean transport.

Expanded school zones and speed rules near emergency vehicles.

Mandatory safety standards for e-scooters and e-bikes, including helmet use and lighting.

Broader roadside drug testing, including penalties for impaired driving due to prescription meds.

🚗 Who’s Affected?

Urban Drivers: Will need to adjust routes due to new EV lanes and stricter phone rules.

Regional Drivers: Must comply with drug testing laws and new cyclist safety distances.

Micromobility Users: E-scooters and e-bikes must meet national safety standards; footpath use is mostly banned.

💸 Penalties:

📵 Phone use while driving: From $500 fines and 6 demerit points.

🚲 Cyclist passing breaches: Up to $450 fines.

🚨 Speeding past emergency vehicles: Heavy fines and license risks.

💊 Drug driving (incl. prescription-related): Immediate suspension and possible court action.

🚗 Unrestrained passengers (even adults): Fines issued to drivers.

🛠️ What Should You Do Now?

Install a legal phone mount and go hands-free.

Learn the safe cyclist passing distance rules.

Know where and when EV lanes are in operation.

Check if your medication affects driving safety.

Make sure your e-scooter or e-bike complies with safety laws.

The July 2025 changes reflect Australia’s commitment to road safety, clean mobility, and shared transport responsibility. Stay informed and adjust early to avoid steep penalties.