Several Australian states introduced new road rules and adjusted penalty fines from July 1, marking the start of the new financial year. The changes range from mandatory protective gear for motorcycle riders in New South Wales to stricter regulations for electric scooters and bikes in Queensland. Some states also increased fines for speeding and drink driving in line with indexation.
New South Wales: Motorcycle gear requirements tightened
In New South Wales, novice motorcycle riders face tougher requirements under changes to the Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme. Learner, P1, and P2 riders must now wear approved protective gloves at all times, and learner riders must also wear an approved high-visibility vest or jacket. According to the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA), these changes aim to improve safety for young riders, with 40 per cent of the 27,000 learner motorcycle licences issued each year going to people under 25. Transport for NSW Secretary Josh Murray said, “We know gloves can almost halve the risk of hand and wrist injuries, and high-vis gear makes riders far easier for others to see.” These reforms are part of a broader package to enhance safety for new riders.
From July 6, the weekly $60 cap for road toll fees will be lowered to $50 for 12 months, with claims opening in October for travel starting that week. Additionally, a one-off registration discount will apply to all vehicles with an effective renewal date between September 2026 and August 2027. Car owners will receive $100 off registration renewals, while motorcycle owners will get $80 off, applied automatically.
Queensland: E-scooter and e-bike laws tightened
Queensland introduced tougher laws for electric scooters and bikes from July 1. Police can now seize and destroy illegal e-bikes and e-scooters, enforce random breath tests, and impose a 0.05 blood alcohol limit for riders. E-scooters, e-skateboards, and e-unicycles are restricted to roads with speed limits of 60 km/h or lower, or bike lanes. All e-vehicles are limited to 25 km/h on roads and 12 km/h on footpaths or when passing pedestrians. The NRMA noted that higher penalties apply for speeding, failure to wear a helmet, careless riding, illegally carrying passengers, and riding on prohibited roads.
From August 31, e-bike riders must be 16 or older and hold a valid driver’s licence, including a learner’s permit. Parents of offending youths will be fined if their children ride illegally. Exemptions apply for medical conditions and disabilities, and 12-17 year olds may ride under parental supervision.
Victoria: Higher fees for unpaid fines
Victorian motorists who fail to pay infringement notices by the initial due date will face higher penalty fees from July 1. The reforms overhaul the state’s infringement enforcement system by increasing the cost of unpaid fines.
South Australia: Speeding and drink driving fines increased
South Australian motorists will pay more for speeding and drink driving offences from July 1, with annual penalty increases linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). Speeding fines have increased across all categories: less than 10 km/h over the limit now costs $215 (up from $208), 10–20 km/h over costs $484 (up from $469), 20–30 km/h over costs $998 (up from $995), 30–45 km/h over costs $1,793 (up from $1,736), and more than 45 km/h over costs $2,018 (up from $1,954). Drink driving penalties also rose, with a fine of $904 for a blood alcohol concentration below 0.08, up from $875.
Western Australia: Proposed changes for novice drivers
The Western Australian government is considering new laws for L-plate and P-plate drivers following community consultation. Proposed reforms include doubling the minimum learner period from six to 12 months, extending the provisional period from two to three years, increasing supervised driving hours from 50 to 80, and doubling required night hours from five to 10.
ACT and Tasmania: Inflation-indexed fine increases
No major rule changes were noted in the Australian Capital Territory or Tasmania, other than fine increases indexed to inflation.
