Australia has introduced tougher pedestrian regulations in 2025, enforcing new fines of $240 for jaywalking and unsafe crossings, particularly targeting school zones and busy urban streets. The changes are part of a national road safety reform aimed at reducing pedestrian accidents, which continue to be one of the leading causes of injury and fatalities on Australian roads. Authorities describe the new rules as vital to protecting both pedestrians and drivers while promoting a stronger culture of shared responsibility.

Understanding the 2025 Pedestrian Rule Changes

The 2025 legislation brings more consistency to how pedestrian behaviour is regulated across states and territories. It mandates that pedestrians must use designated crossings or signals when available and avoid crossing roads at unsafe or non-marked points.

The penalty for failing to comply with these updated guidelines now stands at $240 for a single offense, a significant increase from previous jaywalking fines that varied between $70 and $150 depending on jurisdiction. The uniform national fine reflects a desire to standardize enforcement and ensure compliance regardless of location.

Additionally, the new laws extend to key urban centres and school areas, aligning with the government’s broader “Safe Streets for All” initiative. In these areas, both state police and local councils will step up patrols, with surveillance cameras integrated into busy intersections and school crossings to identify violators more efficiently.

Violation Type	Fine (AUD)	Notes
Out-of-crosswalk crossing	$240	Strictly enforced in CBDs and school zones
Crossing against pedestrian lights	$240	Applies where red pedestrian signals are active
Repeated offenses	Higher Fines / Court Action	May lead to summons or additional penalties

Why the New Measures Were Introduced

Data from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development shows that pedestrian-related accidents remain a serious public concern, particularly during school commute hours and peak traffic times. In 2024 alone, over 130 fatalities involved pedestrians crossing outside designated areas.

Authorities explain that these incidents often occur because pedestrians underestimate vehicular speed or attempt to cross during unsafe intervals. With growing urban congestion and distracted walking — such as using phones while crossing — the government decided decisive action was needed.

The updated $240 jaywalking fine aims to enhance attentiveness and reinforce that road regulations apply equally to pedestrians as they do to motorists. Officials emphasize that the rule change is not punitive but preventative, designed to change habits and foster safer behaviour.

Stricter School Zone Guidelines

The highest level of enforcement applies to school zones, where pedestrian risk is greatest. Between 8:00–9:30 a.m. and 2:30–4:00 p.m., police will monitor foot traffic more closely, targeting parents and students who disregard crossing signals or shortcut across roads near schools.

Under the new rules:

• Pedestrians must use clearly marked pedestrian or zebra crossings at all times.
• Crossing mid-block or outside designated crosswalks could result in an on-the-spot $240 fine.
• Repeat violators, particularly those creating unsafe conditions, may face court warnings or higher fines.
• Demerit points may apply in certain jurisdictions where state laws permit dual penalties for persistent noncompliance.

School safety coordinators across Victoria and New South Wales have already begun enhanced outreach programs to educate parents and children on safe walking routines.

Enforcement and Surveillance

Police departments are partnering with road and transport agencies to ensure consistent implementation across urban and regional areas. Officers will not only conduct foot patrols but also rely on expanded use of road monitoring technology. Cameras installed near pedestrian crossings, intersections, and bus stops can capture violations automatically, generating digital infringement notices through state systems.

Officials say Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane will see the most immediate surveillance integration. The government expects a 15–20% reduction in pedestrian-related accidents within the first year if the measures are properly enforced and public compliance improves.

Penalties and Repeat Offenders

For first-time offenders, the penalty remains a $240 fine. However, repeat offenders or those cited multiple times within a twelve-month period may see increased fines or summons under state traffic legislation. Courts hold discretionary power to impose higher penalties for consistent disregard of pedestrian safety laws, especially when violations occur in school or high-density zones.

Authorities encourage pedestrians to avoid potential citations by exercising “three-second awareness” — a behavioural reminder program advising pedestrians to mentally check for vehicles, traffic lights, and distance before stepping off curbs.

Pedestrian and Driver Responsibilities

The reforms place equal emphasis on pedestrian and driver attentiveness. While pedestrians must obey crossing regulations, drivers are being reminded through concurrent awareness campaigns to remain vigilant near intersections and schools.
Key expectations for both groups include:

For Drivers:

• Slow down when approaching pedestrian crossings or school zones.
• Avoid overtaking stationary vehicles near crossings.
• Remain alert to pedestrians entering crosswalks even after green light intervals.

For Pedestrians:

• Use designated crosswalks, bridges, or underpasses at all times.
• Avoid distractions such as phones or headphones when crossing streets.
• Always make eye contact with drivers before stepping into shared crossing points.
• Obey traffic signals and crossing guards during school hours.

By reinforcing mutual awareness, the government hopes to create safer pedestrian-to-vehicle interactions and reduce accident rates in both urban and suburban environments.

Community Awareness and Education

Public awareness campaigns are being launched nationwide to complement the enforcement drive. Advertisements, roadside banners, and school information sessions emphasize the consequences of unsafe crossing behaviour. Messages encouraging “Cross Smart, Not Fast” will appear on billboards and digital platforms throughout 2025.

Local councils and primary schools have partnered with transport departments to coordinate “Safe Path Days,” where students learn step-by-step road safety habits. These initiatives ensure that education accompanies enforcement rather than merely increasing penalties.

Building a Culture of Shared Safety

The $240 jaywalking fine has sparked discussion across Australia about the balance between safety and practicality in modern cities. While critics argue that enforcement could disproportionately affect low-income pedestrians, authorities maintain that lives outweigh inconvenience.

By combining higher penalties, stronger education, and modern surveillance, Australia’s 2025 pedestrian law reforms aim to drastically reduce road fatalities and injuries.

Ultimately, success will depend on shared accountability. Both pedestrians and motorists must respect the rules that keep everyone safe, whether near schools, city centres, or suburban intersections. The message behind the reform is clear: safety begins with awareness — and no moment saved by rushing across the road is worth the risk of a life lost.