Starting 1 July 2025, new road rules will be rolled out in New South Wales. Among these changes, NSW drivers should be aware of fine increases, wider use of AI-powered surveillance cameras and the introduction of average speed cameras for light vehicles. Additionally, ticketless fines will also be eliminated.

Fine increases

Road-related penalties, charges and fees are increased each year to follow the Consumer Price Index. The 2025 increase in NSW in 3.2 percent.

Example:

From 1 July 2025 the fine for illegal mobile phone use is $423 and five demerit points, from $410 and five demerit points.

AI-powered surveillance cameras

Already in use in NSW, AI-powered surveillance cameras will be deployed more widely, detecting those who are using their mobile phones when driving or driving without a seatbelt.

New camera technology operate in all conditions and are able to monitor multiple lanes at once, catching drivers using or holding their mobile phones – even when stopped at red lights.  

Average Speed Cameras

Average speed cameras, already in existence for heavy vehicles will now also monitor cars and motorcycles In NSW.

What are they?

Average speed cameras measure the average speed of a car by using two fixed cameras and two points along a road. Average Speed cameras have never been used to monitor the speed of light vehicles in NSW before.

The Light Vehicle Trial

Between 1 May 2025 and 30 June 2026, the NSW government are conducting a test using two separate sections of regional highways. The NSW government are looking at whether Average Speed Cameras could increase safety along these stretches of highway.

What Areas of Highway?

• Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie) – 15kms between cameras

• Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – 16kms between cameras.

The trial was in a warning period from 1 May 2025 to 30 June 2025. This meant that if you were caught speeding over the 30 km/h limit you received a warning letter.

1 July 2025

When the warning period ends on 1 July 2025, regular penalties for speeding will apply.

What are light vehicles?

The NSW definition of a light vehicle comfortably covers the majority of passenger vehicles, including:

• Motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of 4.5 tonnes or less

• Trailers with an Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) of 4.5 tonnes or less.

These new laws reflect changing technology and NSW’s commitment to reducing road trauma. Staying informed will help you avoid fines, demerit points, and—most importantly—keep yourself and others safe. 

Streeton Lawyers are specialist traffic lawyers who have helped numerous clients. To learn more, check out some of our recent case studies.

Photo by Matthew Alexander, courtesy of Unsplash