NSW Speed Camera Changes in 2025: Light Vehicles Now Under the Lens

KEY TAKE OUTS:

• Average Speed Cameras have now been switched on to target any light vehicle speeding.
• The trial commenced 1 May 2025 and will run until 1 July 2025, from then onwards the average speed cameras switch to full enforcement of all vehicles.
• Any light vehicle drivers detected speeding from the average speed cameras will receive fines and demerit point penalties.

 

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Speeding is the biggest killer on NSW roads, contributing to around 42% of all fatalities. Every year, 128 families, as well as friends and communities lose someone in a road crash where speeding was a contributing factor.[1]

In September 2024, the NSW Government announced a trial to expand average speed cameras from heavy vehicles to light vehicles. This includes cars, motorcycles and utes.

From 1 May 2025 until 30 June 2025, a trial is being conducted in two separate locations on limited stretches of highway in regional NSW to assess whether these measures reduce speeding at these locations, improving safety and preventing injuries and fatalities. The trial areas are:

 

• Pacific Highway between Kew and Lake Innes (Port Macquarie) – 15kms between cameras

• Hume Highway between Coolac and Gundagai – 16kms between cameras.

 

During the standard warning period, if you exceed the speed limit by 30km/h or less, you’ll receive a warning letter. If you exceed the speed limit by more than 30km/h, you’ll be fined and penalties may apply, including attending court, incurring demerit points or losing your licence. From 1 July 2025, all speeding offences will be enforced by the average speed cameras.

Heavy vehicle average speed enforcement will continue with no change at both locations.

 

This list should be used as a guide only, as penalties and offences are subject to change without notice.

 

Speeding Pentalties and Fines (If Convicted in Court)

Speeding Offence	Light vehicles – maximum fine	Heavy vehicles – maximum fine	License disqualification
Not more than 10km/h	$2,200	$2,200.	N/A
More than 10km/h but not more than 20km/h	$2,200	$2,200.	N/A
More than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h	$2,200	$2,200.	N/A
More than 30km/h but not more than 45km/h	$2,200	$2,200	3 months (minimum)
More than 45km/h	$3,300	$5,500	6 months (minimum)

*a Court does not have any power to make an order in respect to demerit points.

 

Speacial Penalties for Learner and Provisional Drivers

If you hold a learner or provisional licence and commit any speeding offence, you’ll receive at least 4 demerit points.

This means that:

• Learners and P1 licence holders will have their licence suspended or refused for at least 3 months for any speeding offence. A fine will also be issued.
• Provisional P2 licence holders must stay on their P2 licence for an extra 6 months every time they are caught speeding 30km/h or more over the speed limit. They will also receive a licence suspension.

 

 

HOW DO WE KEEP SAFE?

• Regularly check your speed to ensure you are within the posted speed limit.

• Follow speed advisory signs. This will help ensure you drive through that section of road safely.
• Keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front. When travelling behind a light vehicle leave at least a three-second gap, and for heavy vehicles leave at least a four-second gap. When travelling at higher speeds, increase the distance to allow at least five seconds so you have enough time to react and brake.
• In poor conditions (such as wet weather, snow or fog) drive slower and leave a larger gap between you and the vehicle in front.
• Allow yourself plenty of travel time, including time for rest breaks, so you don’t feel the need to speed.
• If you’re a passenger, speak up if you think the driver is going too fast.

 

Stay Informed, Stay Safe

As this trial unfolds, it’s crucial to stay updated on your legal responsibilities and the changes to traffic enforcement. Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers can help if you’ve received a speeding fine or are facing legal action as a result of a traffic offence.

 

[1] https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/topics-tips/speeding/enforcement-cameras/average-speed-cameras#:~:text=From%201%20May%20until%2030,ll%20receive%20a%20warning%20letter.

 

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