On October 10, 2025, Australian drivers will encounter new and tougher punitive measures to curb distracted driving by adoption of a national ban against eating, drinking, and vaping whilst driving. To enhance better road safety and reduce accidents due to distracted behaviour on the road, the government has come up with fines of up to 1,500 dollars as a penalty towards such offenders. These regulations are based on the existing laws pertaining to the use of mobile phones and set more precise expectations of what will pass as an acceptable driving environment.
What are the New Restrictions?
– Eating and Drinking: Drivers should not eat or drink whilst driving. This involves taking sips, snacks or food wrappings as the activities cause a distraction and lose of control on the road.
– Vaping and Smoking:** Now it is prohibited not only the use of a vaping device or electronic cigarettes but also the use of the conventional way of smoking when the vehicle is in motion. Possession and use of such items distracts motorists and can influence their response time.
– Extent: The ban would cover all drivers in Australian public roads, including car owners, commercial operators and drivers who work in the rideshare sector.
Penalties and Enforcement
– Fines: The offender who is caught eating, drinking or vaping when behind the wheel can be fined between $1,500 to $1,500 depending on the state/territory where the offense is committed and the severity of the offense.
– Demerit Points: Fines will be coupled with demerit points which will result in the possibility of licence suspension of those offenders who commit the offence repeatedly in most jurisdictions.
– Police Powers: The police are given the power to impose fines on the spot and check violations on a vehicle camera.
Why These New Measures?
These fines are introduced after research that distracted driving is more related to increased accidents including those that are the result of reaction delays and loss of control over the vehicle. The promotion of road safety across the nation has emphasized the potentially serious consequences of seemingly minor distractions as eating or vaping when driving. The new laws are to establish uniform and enforceable standards in all the states and territories.
Tips for Drivers to Comply
– Pre-trip and post-trip planning of meal and beverage intake.
– Have food or drink breaks with use of rest stops rather than eating on the move.
– Place no hands on anything and concentrate on driving the car when it is in motion.
– Do not vape or smoke when traveling.
| Offence | Maximum Fine | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Eating or Drinking | Up to $1,500 | Demerit points, licence risk |
| Vaping or Smoking | Up to $1,500 | Demerit points, possible suspension |
FAQs
Q1: Does the same apply to passengers consuming or drinking food and beverages?
No they are not to passengers but only drivers.
Q2: Does the rest stop have any exemption under these rules?
Yes, eating, drinking and vaping can be done when the vehicles are parked safely and in the stationary position.
Q3: What will be the enforcement of these laws between states?
Cases of cross-border consistency in enforcing penalties are cooperative efforts between states and territories, and local police are authorized to do so.