Australian drivers are being warned about a commonly ignored traffic rule that now comes with a $423 fine and demerit penalties. The offence — crossing or straddling dividing lines — is part of a 2025 road rule enforcement push targeting behaviours that cause serious head-on collisions and lane-side accidents.
What Is the Dividing Line Offence?
A dividing line is the painted line or double lines separating lanes moving in opposite directions. The offence occurs when a driver:
- Crosses over double white lines, regardless of intent.
- Drives partly or fully on top of a dividing line while overtaking or turning.
- Moves across a single continuous white line where overtaking isn’t permitted.
Even if a vehicle crosses momentarily to pass a cyclist or avoid debris, the move can still attract fines unless permitted under specific state exceptions.
The New Fine and Penalty
From October 2025, the national standard fine has been aligned with stricter state enforcement:
- Fine: $423
- Demerit points: 3 to 4 depending on the state or territory
- In some regions: potential additional penalties for reckless driving if the manoeuvre causes risk or collision
Repeated offenders may also face licence suspensions if multiple lane or centre-line infringements are recorded within a 12‑month period.
Why the Fine Has Increased
Authorities say crossing dividing lines is one of the most frequently observed but most dangerous driver habits, especially on rural and hilly roads. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reported that in 2024, nearly 30% of head-on crashes occurred where vehicles drifted or overtook across centre markings.
By raising the fine, states aim to make motorists think twice before crossing into oncoming lanes, even for a second. This aligns with the National Road Safety Strategy, designed to reduce serious crashes by 30% by 2030.
Common Situations Where Drivers Break the Rule
Police say many drivers unintentionally commit this offence because they underestimate how strictly it’s enforced. Examples include:
- Overtaking slow vehicles over double white lines.
- Turning into driveways or side streets where lines are continuous.
- Cutting corners on narrow rural roads.
- Crossing lines to avoid parked cars without checking legality.
In all these cases, if it’s a solid or double-solid line, the manoeuvre is illegal unless it’s absolutely necessary due to a breakdown or hazard blocking the road.
Legal Exceptions
Some states provide narrow exceptions, allowing drivers to cross a continuous line to:
- Turn safely into a driveway when there’s no alternative entry.
- Avoid a clear obstruction or emergency hazard.
- Pass a cyclist, provided sufficient clearance and safe line of sight are maintained (rules vary by state).
However, police discretion applies, and unsafe movements can still result in fines even under these exceptions.
How to Avoid the $423 Fine
- Always observe road markings before overtaking or turning.
- If lines are solid or double, stay in your lane even if traffic seems slow.
- Use designated turning points or intersections rather than crossing early.
- On country roads, keep tyres fully within your lane — “half over the line” still counts as an offence.
- Avoid distractions like mobile phones or GPS adjustments that can cause lane wandering.
Enforcement Through Cameras and Patrols
Mobile road safety cameras introduced in 2025 can now detect lane-drifting and edge-line crossings through AI-assisted footage. These systems recognise vehicles touching or crossing solid lines without proper signalling. Combined with police patrols focusing on crossover black spots, enforcement has become nearly unavoidable.
The Bottom Line for Drivers
Crossing dividing lines has long been treated as a minor mistake, but in 2025 it’s classified as a serious safety violation due to its accident risk. The $423 fine and demerit charge reinforce one message — stay in your lane unless it’s safe and legal to move.
With tighter surveillance and camera detection, Australian drivers are being urged to drive cautiously, respect lane markings, and avoid a costly slip that could endanger lives.