From 28 October 2025, exceeding the limit by more than 45 km/h will be treated as a major speeding offence nationwide, attracting a $1,000 fine, demerit points, and potential licence suspension to curb high‑risk driving and reduce serious crashes in metropolitan and school zones .

What changes on 28 Oct 2025

Authorities will classify speeding over 45 km/h above the posted limit as a major offence, triggering a base fine of $1,000, immediate demerits, and eligibility for a driving ban of up to six months depending on jurisdictional enforcement and prior history . Police will expand mobile speed camera coverage and highway patrol presence to focus on real‑time detection of extreme speeding, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane corridors . Repeat or aggravated cases may be referred to court with options for vehicle impoundment where state laws permit, aligning with a zero‑tolerance stance on dangerous speeding behaviour .

Penalties at a glance

• Fine: a fixed $1,000 penalty for speeds exceeding 45 km/h over the limit, applied on‑the‑spot or post‑detection by approved devices .
• Demerit points: automatic demerits applied under state schemes, accelerating risk of suspension for provisional and open licence holders alike .
• Suspension: up to six months disqualification may be issued for the major category depending on prior record and court outcomes where applicable .
• Enforcement: expanded camera networks and targeted patrols in high‑risk corridors, school precincts, and night‑time hotspots .

Why the crackdown is happening

The measure is part of a national road safety effort to arrest rising high‑speed crashes and protect vulnerable road users, with officials projecting meaningful reductions in fatal and serious‑injury collisions over the next two years . Education campaigns in schools and communities will run alongside enforcement to shift behaviour, emphasising stopping distances, reaction times, and the lethality of high‑energy impacts . Authorities stress the program’s purpose is harm reduction, not revenue, with reinvestment of fines flagged for infrastructure upgrades, trauma response capacity, and driver education .

Focus on cities and school zones

Metropolitan areas are a primary focus due to dense traffic, higher pedestrian exposure, and persistent extreme‑speed incidents on major arterials and freeways leading into urban centres . School zones and mixed‑use streets will see additional compliance activity at peak pickup and drop‑off windows to deter dangerous overtakes and late braking around children and crossing supervisors . Regional highways with known crash clusters will also receive increased mobile enforcement during holiday periods and long‑weekend travel surges .

How to stay compliant

• Check the posted limit frequently as limits can drop near schools, work zones, and developing precincts, including temporary controls for roadworks .
• Use the vehicle’s limiter, cruise control, or driver‑assist where safe, updating maps to ensure alerts reflect current limits and school‑time controls .
• Build larger time buffers for commutes to remove pressure to rush, especially across variable‑speed corridors and arterial‑to‑local transitions .
• Keep tyres, brakes, and ADAS sensors maintained; correct pressures and functioning systems improve stopping performance and driver alerts .

What happens if you’re caught

If detected at more than 45 km/h over the limit, you will receive a $1,000 infringement and demerits, with immediate suspension or a notice of intention to suspend depending on local process . For alleged extreme speeds recorded by camera, expect a notice by mail detailing the offence, device, location, and response options including nomination of driver and court election . Contesting typically hinges on identity, device calibration, signage, or exceptional circumstances; legal advice is recommended for court elections given the risk of higher penalties .

Impact on provisional and professional drivers

P‑plate drivers face faster escalation to disqualification due to lower demerit thresholds and stricter good‑behaviour options in most jurisdictions . Commercial and rideshare drivers operating in high‑exposure hours are advised to apply conservative margins below limits and adhere to company fatigue and safety policies to protect accreditation and insurance standing .

Government’s broader safety plan

The initiative complements ongoing action plans to reduce national road trauma through safer roads, safer speeds, safer vehicles, and safer people, combining enforcement with education and engineering fixes at high‑risk sites . Deployment of AI‑assisted detection, better data‑sharing, and targeted infrastructure treatments aims to cut fatal and serious injuries by more than 20% over the short term while embedding long‑term culture change .

Key dates and preparation

The new major offence threshold and $1,000 fine commence on 28 October 2025, with enforcement resourcing scaled from day one in metropolitan corridors and school precincts . Drivers should review licence status, demerit balance, and any outstanding infringements now to avoid compounding penalties under the tougher settings .

Bottom line

From 28 October 2025, driving more than 45 km/h over the limit becomes a major offence with a $1,000 fine, demerits, and likely loss of licence, backed by intensified policing and expanded camera coverage to save lives on Australian roads .