Australian drivers are being warned of harsher penalties after a new national traffic rule introduced in September 2025 set fines of up to $1,012 for serious lane violations. The rule, which comes as part of an effort to improve road safety and reduce crash risks, focuses particularly on unsafe lane changes and failure to keep within a marked lane. Authorities say the changes are a response to an increasing number of avoidable accidents caused by drivers weaving or drifting across lanes. The penalties will apply across multiple states and territories, though the exact enforcement and demerit points may vary slightly depending on local road regulations.
A Response to Rising Road Safety Concerns
Recent crash data from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport revealed that a large portion of collisions on urban motorways stemmed from unsafe lane movements, especially during peak-hour traffic. Transport ministers across the country argued that current fines, which ranged between $300 and $600 in most states, were not a strong enough deterrent. With the higher $1,012 penalty, combined with the likelihood of losing up to three demerit points, drivers who flout lane rules can expect stricter consequences. According to the National Road Safety Strategy, lane confusion and dangerous overtaking have been linked directly to dozens of serious injuries and fatalities in the past 12 months.
What the Rule Specifically Covers
The new rule targets several common but risky driving behaviours. These include failing to remain within a lane, swerving across solid lines without justification, cutting into another driver’s lane without indicating, and ignoring lane markings at intersections. Motorcyclists and heavy vehicle drivers will also fall under the tougher restrictions, as authorities noted that unsafe merging on highways is a leading contributor to multi-vehicle crashes. Police patrol units and mobile traffic cameras have been instructed to monitor lane discipline, and officers retain the discretion to apply warnings in cases where drivers may have been forced out of a lane due to unexpected hazards.
Reactions From Motorists and Road Advocacy Groups
The announcement has drawn mixed reactions. Road advocacy groups such as the Australian Automobile Association welcomed the higher penalties, arguing they will “force drivers to take lane discipline seriously.” Meanwhile, many everyday motorists expressed frustration at what they see as another example of rising traffic fines that place additional pressure on household budgets. On social media, drivers debated whether the government’s focus should be solely on fines or on improving road infrastructure, such as clearer lane markings, better lighting, and the addition of more merging lanes on busy highways. Rideshare and logistics drivers also raised concerns that strict lane enforcement in congested city centres could unfairly penalise them in situations beyond their control.
Road Safety Authorities Emphasise Prevention
Despite criticism, state police commissioners insist the policy is not about revenue raising but about reducing collisions. They pointed to evidence from earlier road safety reforms, such as harsher mobile phone fines, which saw a measurable decline in distraction-related accidents. By pushing the penalty for lane violations above the symbolic $1,000 mark, officials hope to send a clear message: lane discipline is non-negotiable. Drivers are urged to refresh their knowledge of road markings, ensure they always indicate before changing lanes, and remain alert to merging traffic. With the summer holiday travel season approaching, police have confirmed that random highway patrols will be stepped up to enforce the new rule consistently.
