Lower speed limits are being introduced in key areas. Credit: Sampajano / Shutterstock In the 12 months ending November 2025, there were 1,332 road deaths in Australia—a 3.0 per cent increase compared with the 12 months ending November 2024. The annual fatality rate was 4.8 deaths per 100,000 population. With the road toll rising, governments are expanding enforcement and safety measures, including camera programs and rule changes in several states. Using the same BITRE reporting window (the 12 months ending November), Tasmania’s road deaths rose from 31 to 47, an increase of 51.6 per cent. These aren’t just statistics; they represent families torn apart and communities left grieving. It’s little wonder that authorities across the country are pulling out all stops to reverse this deadly trend. In this article The AI revolution hits Australian roads 1-min read What’s changing where and when 1-min read The human cost driving change 1-min read Stricter rules for older drivers 1-min read Speed limits going slower 1-min read The privacy debate 1-min read What the fines really cost 1-min read The AI revolution hits Australian roads Return to Table of Contents Comments The centrepiece of this safety push is artificial intelligence technology that can spot rule-breakers with unprecedented precision. In just the first three months of 2025, Victoria's AI-powered cameras captured 19,063 offences, including 7,466 drivers and 5,176 passengers not wearing seatbelts correctly, and 6,421 drivers using mobile phones. 'The privacy of Queenslanders is something we take extremely seriously.' Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg Victoria says each camera trailer uses two cameras, an infra-red flash and AI software to capture high-resolution images day or night. The system flags potential mobile phone and seatbelt offences for review by authorised officers before fines are issued. How AI cameras catch you out The cameras take high-resolution photos of every passing vehicle from an elevated angle. Artificial intelligence software then analyses each image to detect mobile phone use and incorrect seatbelt positioning. If AI flags a potential offence, the image is sent for verification by authorised officers before any infringement is issued. If no potential offence is detected, the system rejects the image. What's changing where and when Return to Table of Contents Comments The rollout varies by state, but the direction is clear: more cameras, stricter enforcement, and lower tolerance for risky behaviour. New South Wales leads the charge NSW began camera-based enforcement of seatbelt offences on 1 July 2024, extending their existing mobile phone detection network. The state is also reviewing school zone speeds and considering more 30km/h zones in high-pedestrian areas. Victoria expands its reach Victoria has invested heavily in the technology, with cameras now operating across the state. The government has also expanded its 40km/h passing rule to include roadside assistance vehicles—not just emergency services. Queensland faces scrutiny While Queensland's cameras are catching thousands of offenders, the state's Audit Office found that the phone and seatbelt camera program bypassed required ethical checks before launch, leaving questions about image recognition accuracy and data storage. The human cost driving change Return to Table of Contents Comments The statistics behind these measures paint a sobering picture. Seatbelt non-use remains a major factor in serious harm, and road safety agencies repeatedly warn that wearing a seatbelt correctly is one of the simplest ways to reduce fatal and severe injuries in a crash. Did you know? Wearing a seatbelt incorrectly (for example, not across the shoulder and chest as designed) can reduce its effectiveness and increase the risk of serious injury in a crash. Stricter rules for older drivers Return to Table of Contents Comments There is no single national rule for older-driver medical checks—requirements vary by state and territory. For example, NSW requires annual medical assessments from age 75, while Victoria does not impose blanket age-based medical testing and relies on fitness-to-drive reporting requirements. Most eastern states implemented this system in late 2025, with Western Australia and the Northern Territory completing adoption by early 2026. For many over-60s, these changes represent a significant shift in how driving fitness is assessed. The focus is on ensuring all drivers can safely handle modern traffic conditions, not age discrimination. Speed limits going slower Return to Table of Contents Comments Across Australia, speed limits are trending downwards, particularly around schools and busy pedestrian areas. <iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWheelsAustralia%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02ggrtxRJL7jVzwJg5nkpXjbMyYryY1daxzRAxTjwpMboq9VF3iHvyrCEmzuEvQNdyl&#038;show_text=true&#038;width=500" width="500" height="500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share"></iframe> Queensland continues rolling out 40km/h zones in high-traffic areas, while Tasmania is preparing new speed management strategies that could see school zones drop from 40km/h to 30km/h. The privacy debate Return to Table of Contents Comments Not everyone's comfortable with AI watching their every move. The technology raises legitimate questions about surveillance, data storage, and accuracy. However, transport ministers argue that the alternative—continuing to lose more than 1,300 lives annually—is unacceptable. What the fines really cost Return to Table of Contents Comments Victoria’s Fines Reform Regulations 2026 are scheduled to start on 1 July 2026, with changes to fines processes and enforcement settings set out in the remake consultation materials. The goal is making the system more efficient while ensuring drivers understand their options for review and assistance. In NSW, proposed Motorcycle Graduated Licensing Scheme reforms would require learner and provisional riders to wear protective gloves, and learner riders to wear a high-visibility vest, alongside existing helmet rules. Major road safety changes coming in 2026 AI cameras expanding nationwide to detect seatbelt and phone use Medical assessments mandatory for drivers over 75 (annual from 80) Speed limits are decreasing in school zones and high-pedestrian areas Stricter penalties and faster fine enforcement in Victoria Enhanced protection rules for roadside workers New safety gear requirements for motorcyclists in NSW The road safety landscape is changing rapidly, driven by technology and an urgent need to reduce the devastating toll on Australian families. While some measures may feel intrusive, they're responses to a genuine crisis that claimed more lives in 2025 than the year before. These changes affect everyone, but they're particularly significant for older drivers who may need to adapt to new testing requirements and technology-enhanced enforcement. The key is staying informed about what's changing in your state and when. Have you encountered any of these new AI cameras or safety measures on the roads? How do you feel about the balance between safety and privacy in road enforcement? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Article commenting explainedStill wondering how to post comments or reply in the forums? You’re not alone. We’ve pulled together a handy guide that covers your biggest questions and clears away the confusion. And here’s a tip: if you want the fastest way to join the chat, download our app from Google Play or the App Store and never miss a chance to be heard. What did you think of this article? Give us a thumbs up or a thumbs down! Like 2 Dislike 2 Also Read: WA's 'Big Brother' road cameras now issuing $1,000 fines as AI enforcement goes live Share on Facebook Share via Email Sharing is caring <img width="80" height="80" src="https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-96x96.jpg" class="avatar avatar-80 photo ylc-author-avatar" alt="Don Turrobia" decoding="async" srcset="https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-96x96.jpg 96w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-300x300.jpg 300w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-1024x1015.jpg 1024w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-150x150.jpg 150w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-768x762.jpg 768w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-424x420.jpg 424w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-696x690.jpg 696w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-1068x1059.jpg 1068w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-48x48.jpg 48w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-97x96.jpg 97w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204-24x24.jpg 24w, https://assets.yourlifechoices.com.au/2025/03/08132640/IMG_20250507_062204.jpg 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 80px) 100vw, 80px" /> Don Turrobia Don is a travel writer and digital nomad who shares his expertise in travel and tech. 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