By 2025, Australian motorists will incur a uniform infringement fine of $960 for excessive speeding and other marked traffic violations. This effort seeks to harmonize enforcement across states and territories, providing uniformity to motorists across the country.
These measures do assist in the prevention of road traffic accidents, and a driver understanding the conditions and circumstances under which the fine is incurred is best positioned to prevent accidents, in addition to minimize unexpected fines.
In What Situations is the Traffic Fine Enforced?
The fine of $960 is triggered in the following situations:
Exceeding the speed limit in urban areas by more than 30 km/h and 40 km/h on highways. Running a red light or performing other actions that roughly constitute a failure to yield and greatly increase the risk of collisions. Using a mobile phone without a hands-free device while the vehicle is in motion.
Infringement notices are sent out automatically by the relevant authorities. These are usually sent out two weeks post the violation, either via post or email. There is also a risk of additional fines and or suspension of the driver’s license for failure to respond in a timely manner.
How to Pay or Appeal the Infringement Notice
Users who believe that a notice issued to them is wrong have a 28 day window to appeal the charge. They can:
Request a review with supporting evidence (dashcam footage, witness testimony). Appear in court (this can attract higher penalties if found to have lost the case). Pay the fine in full (either $960 online, over the phone or at a designated payment centre). Failure to act within the stipulated period usually attracts a 10 percent surcharge resulting in a total of over $1,050.
Avoiding the $960 Penal Notice
Being aware of the speed limits and avoiding distractions, both are easiest ways to avoid a very costly fine. Consider,
Use of GPS speed alert apps.
Hands-free phone mounts.
Planned route to avoid lane changes.
Wider context: the impact of road safety
Despite the $960 fine being perceived as a large sum, the intention is to encourage the adoption of safe driving practices in a bid to reduce trauma sustained on the roads in Australia. Research indicates that other jurisdictions where fines are consistently, albeit heavily, imposed find a reduction in both repeat offending and serious crashes. Treating roads as the commons—where rules are to be followed—allows communities to enjoy the safety of reduced incidents and emergencies.
The revised policy of the fine allocation of $960 comes with enforcement of prompts, checks, and well-defined boundaries to aid drivers to stay educated, responsible, and more safe while driving.