September 18, 2026
Drivers who are caught doing more than 40km/h over the speed limit will have their licences suspended immediately for six months under new legislation passed by the State Government.
From December 1 this year, drivers will also face:
- Double penalties for drug driving, with higher fines and longer licence disqualifications;
- Stronger penalties for combined drink- and drug-driving offences, and
- Minimum court-imposed fines.
However, drivers will also be able to nominate adult passengers for seatbelt breaches so the right person is held accountable.
The legislation also sets higher maximum penalties for dangerous driving, including up to seven years’ jail where no death or grievous bodily harm is caused, and up to 25 years where death or grievous bodily harm does occur.
Mandatory imprisonment has also been expanded for serious and repeat dangerous driving offenders.
Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said the State Government was cracking down on dangerous drivers who put innocent lives at risk.
“These new laws send a clear message to offenders, if you choose to act dangerously behind the wheel, you will face serious consequences,” she said.
