Drivers beware: running a red light anywhere in Australia can now trigger hefty fines, averaging $582 and harsher demerit-point penalties under the latest 2025 road rules. From mandatory mobile-phone bans at traffic signals to uniform enforcement of school-zone speeds, this year’s reforms aim to curb distracted and dangerous driving.
Tougher Penalties Nationwide
As of 1 July 2025, all states and territories have aligned red-light camera offences with steeper financial penalties. Most jurisdictions now impose fines ranging from $509 in Victoria to $667 in Queensland, with the national average landing around $582. Demerit points for a single red-light infringement have increased to three across the board, while school-zone violations typically attract an extra point and an additional surcharge.
Uniform School-Zone Protections
Recognising the vulnerability of children, every state has tightened rules around school-zone intersections. Stopping at the red light in a school zone now incurs fines up to $682 and four demerit points in New South Wales. Councils are updating signage to reflect the zero-tolerance stance: no rolling stops, no phone use, and no risky manoeuvres when children are present.
Ban on Phone Use at Traffic Lights
From the country’s busiest CBDs to suburban arterials, using or even touching a mobile device at a red light is strictly off-limits. AI-powered roadside cameras now detect handheld phone offences, issuing fines up to $1,209 and five demerit points for first-time breaches. Authorities stress that “hands-free” systems or brief glances at devices still constitute violations, ensuring motorists keep their eyes on the road.
Consistent Speed Limits at Intersections
Speed-limit changes, especially within 40 km/h zones around schools and high-pedestrian areas, are now standard across all states. Drivers must observe reduced speeds when approaching intersections controlled by lights or temporary signals. Exceeding these limits—even by a small margin—can lead to additional fines and immediate licence suspensions in some regions.
Red Light Cameras and Road Safety Outcomes
Mounted at critical intersections, red-light cameras are credited with significantly reducing crashes. NSW road safety reports show a 35 percent drop in serious injury collisions at camera-monitored sites, while Victoria records a 22 percent decline. Officials maintain that visible enforcement and swift penalties are key to encouraging compliant driving.
Appeals and Court Options
Motorists disputing a red-light infringement have recourse through court election, where penalties can be contested if procedural errors occurred. However, courts rarely overturn camera detections unless clear evidence of malfunction or misidentification is presented. Drivers are advised to check photographic proof online within 28 days, as failure to act swiftly converts fines into higher enforcement fees. With road trauma on the rise, these 2025 updates reinforce the principle that safety outweighs speed. A moment’s inattention at a traffic light can now cost more than mere dollars—it could mean lost licence privileges, higher insurance premiums, and, most importantly, increased risk to all road users.