New Australian driving regulations, going into effect October 2025, require attention from all drivers to avoid excessive fines and license suspensions. The new laws include enhanced focus on road safety, revised restrictions on pets, changes on regulations concerning aged drivers, and increased penalties for repeat offences. The most relevant changes for drivers are discussed in this article.
Road authorities across Australia are cracking down on offences including but not limited to reckless driving, excessive speed, and driving under the influence. Repeat offences will result in excessively higher penalties, including longer periods of license suspension, and permanent loss of the license for repeat offenders is on the table. During the holidays and peak travel periods, reckless speed will incur double the fines and disproportionate loss of license points. The consequences of aggressive, reckless, speed driving will be exceedingly severe.
Pet Restraint Laws — No Pets on Laps
A key aspect of the updated regulations is the nationwide restriction regarding driving with any animal, including dogs, perched on one’s lap, or in any way that diverts the attention of the driver. As of October 2025, penalties for this violation can reach $880, with some states enacting additional punitive demerit points.
Older Drivers — Medical and Practical Checks
All drivers regardless of their geographical restrictions which are over the age of 70 will be subjected to mandatory medical checks to retain a license. Drivers over the age of 75 will have to undergo annual medical examinations while practical driving tests will commence at the age of 85. These augmentations have been designed for the purpose of road safety and to regularly monitor the fitness of senior drivers, and specifically their vision, cognitive functionality, and mobility.
Child and Baby Seat Consistency
Child restraints and baby seats are consistent across Australia. Each child of every age must be fastened in an age-appropriate seat belt. The law is stricter on any failure. Enforcement is likely to be more stringent, with police focused on checking car seats in every state and territory.
School Zone and Breakdown Areas
In the October changes, more sites now have extended school zone speed limits. More locations will now have the 40 km/h zone enforced during peak times. Also, laws like those already in effect in South Australia that require drivers to slow down to 25 km/h when passing stationary breakdown service vehicles with flashing lights, reducing risks for workers and stranded motorists, are in place.
Key Data Table – New Law Highlights
| Change | Fine (Max) | Applies To |
|---|---|---|
| Dog/Pet on Lap | $880 | All drivers |
| Speeding (Holidays) | Double | All drivers |
| Medical Checks 75+ | Varies | Drivers aged 75+ |
| School Zone Speed | $400+ | All drivers |
| Incorrect Child Seat | $500+ | All drivers |
FAQs
Q1: Can a dog be restrained in the front passenger seat?
Yes, provided the dog is restrained and does not distract the driver; unrestrained pets in this position are illegal.
Q2: Are medical checks mandatory for all older drivers?
Yes, drivers over 75 require annual medical exams and those over 85 may need to take practical driving tests.
Q3: What happens if a driver is caught with a pet on their lap?
A driver may get fined substantially and have to pay $880, as well as have possible points taken off their license, with more consequences depending on the individual state.