In 2025, Australia will implement major changes in the road rules in order to improve safety conditions, traffic efficiency, and readiness to the current driving environment. Such upgrades will affect all motorists, ranging between day-to-day commuters to long-distance truckers, to make the roads safer and accessible. The impending increase in fine deposits, new laws governing electric vehicles, and the development of better enforcement strategies mean that motorists have to keep themselves properly educated so as not to be fined and subsequently drive safely.
Stricter Mobile Phone Laws
Distracted driving is among major contributors to accidents, and therefore, the relevant authorities have implemented stricter controls on using mobile phones. Starting July 2025, motorists will be banned to use the phone behind the steering wheel, not even briefly. Using mounted phone holders will be mandatory and non-compliance will earn a fine amounting to at least $500, as well as six demerit points. Cities will have AI-armed cameras that would identify law violators to allow them to meet the new laws.
Speed Limits Near Emergency Vehicles
In order to enhance the level of safety on the road, speed limit in passing vehicles with flashing lights stationed at the roadside shall be set at 40 km/h. The rule is applicable to everyone on the road irrespective of the type of road and set out to minimize the dangers of collision between roadside workers and drivers. The failure to observe the same may result in huge fines and even license suspension and so it is advisable to drive with caution around an emergency scene.
Cyclist Safety Measures
As more Australians take the bicycle to work, there are new laws that will significantly require motorists to have a specific minimum space when passing cyclists. When the car is moving below 60/km/h, the driver should keep a space of one meter and above 60 km/h, it should be 1.5 meters. These steps will be aimed at avoiding the accidents and safer operation of motorists and cyclists sharing roads.
Expanded Drug Testing Regulations
Police are extending this to microsopic drug tests on the side of the road on prescription drugs that could impact on driving. Drivers shall have to be conscious of the effects of their prescriptions giving them slow reaction time on road, since a roadside failure is likely to render them license-less on the spot, which may lead to legal action against them. The rationale behind this update is a greater apprehension of impaired driving of substances other than alcohol and other drugs.
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