Australian drivers are facing a sharp change to road rules in late 2025, as new distracted driving laws impose penalties of up to $1,500 and several demerit points for eating, drinking or vaping at the wheel. Authorities in NSW, Victoria and Queensland have rolled out enforcement strategies aimed at cutting road accidents caused by split-second lapses in attention. Unlike past regulations focusing mainly on phone use, these new rules target everyday habits that reduce a driver’s ability to control the vehicle safely.

Where and When the Laws Apply

• NSW – From October 2025, police patrols and camera monitoring will detect offenders.
• Victoria – Starting October 2025, fixed and mobile cameras are deployed for round-the-clock enforcement.
• Queensland – November 2025 will see roadside surveillance units actively monitoring driver behaviour.

In all states, drivers can be fined even when holding food, sipping a drink or vaping while the vehicle is in motion, regardless of whether their driving appears impaired at the time.

Penalties and Demerit Points

Offence	Maximum Fine	Demerit Points
Eating while driving	$1,500	3–4 points
Drinking (non-alcoholic)	$1,500	3–4 points
Vaping while driving	$1,500	4 points

Authorities stress that the goal is prevention, meaning drivers don’t need to be swerving or causing danger for penalties to apply—mere engagement in the act is enough.

Why These Habits Are Now a Priority

Transport departments say eating, drinking and vaping might seem harmless compared to speeding, but research shows even minimal distractions impair reaction times and environmental awareness. While using mobile phones is still a leading cause of crashes, these smaller distractions contribute significantly to accident statistics.

Vaping has been specifically included due to concerns about hands leaving the wheel and visual attention momentarily shifting, especially when smoke or vapour affects visibility. The crackdown aligns with broader road safety campaigns in Australia, focusing on reducing all behaviour that risks loss of control.

Mixed Public Reaction

Road safety advocates welcome the change, citing studies showing a clear link between distraction and collisions. Critics argue the rules punish normal human needs, such as hydrating during hot conditions or eating on long drives in remote areas with limited rest stops. Officials respond by encouraging drivers to plan ahead, use rest areas and take breaks on extended journeys rather than multitasking behind the wheel.

Insurance experts warn that repeat offenders could face increased premiums, further deterring risky behaviour.

Enforcement Tactics

NSW and Victoria will rely heavily on AI-enabled camera systems already in place for mobile phone detection, now programmed to spot eating, drinking and vaping movements. Queensland’s initial rollout focuses on live roadside monitoring, with police able to flag and fine drivers on the spot. Authorities say the system will operate much like speeding enforcement: detection alone is sufficient for a penalty, with no requirement for recorded dangerous behaviour.

Public awareness campaigns are underway, from radio segments and social media videos to prominent roadside billboards, ensuring motorists are informed before the rules take full effect.

How Drivers Can Avoid Penalties

To comply and maintain safety, drivers should:

• Keep both hands on the wheel during operation, avoiding multitasking.
• Consume food and beverages only during stops in safe areas.
• Vape only when the vehicle is stationary and parked.
• Plan trips with rest breaks built into the itinerary.

These guidelines aim to maintain total driver control and reduce accident risk while avoiding fines.

The Broader Safety Trend

This move reflects Australia’s tightening grip on distractions, positioning eating or vaping at the wheel in the same category as high-risk offences like speeding and mobile phone use. The underlying message is clear: no activity should compete with driving for your attention. Officials hope this zero-tolerance stance will lead to measurable drops in accidents, especially those involving lapses so small they are often overlooked.

With penalties as serious as high-range speeding offences, many drivers will need to rethink normal habits on the road. Officials insist these changes are not about controlling lifestyle but about ensuring uninterrupted focus while driving—a discipline that, according to accident data, saves lives.