Australia’s traffic authorities have introduced a renewed focus on dangerous overtaking practices, warning drivers they could face a $450 fine for overtaking contrary to road signs under the latest road safety enforcement measures. The update is part of a nationwide push to reduce risky driver behaviour and improve safety on high-risk roads.
Crackdown on Unsafe Overtaking
State road agencies have confirmed that overtaking in areas marked with a “No Overtaking” or “Do Not Overtake Turning Vehicle” sign will now attract a penalty of $450, along with demerit points on the driver’s licence. Authorities say these signs are clearly placed on busy roads, intersections, and stretches of highway where visibility or traffic conditions make overtaking hazardous.
Transport officials stressed that overtaking in defiance of such signs remains one of the leading contributors to head-on collisions. With speed and misjudgment often involved, the consequences are frequently severe, prompting governments across Australia to intensify penalties.
Why the Rule Matters
The overtaking rule is not new, but the fine adjustment signals a tougher stance on non-compliance. The move recognises the ongoing issue of motorists ignoring signage and taking unnecessary risks. According to police data, overtaking contrary to signs has been linked to significant numbers of crashes each year, particularly on undivided rural highways.
Road safety campaigners welcomed the update, arguing that financial penalties are an important deterrent. They noted that overtaking restrictions are designed to protect both the overtaking driver and oncoming traffic, reducing the chance of catastrophic collisions.
Enforcement and Awareness
Police patrols and mobile traffic monitoring units will be used to enforce the rule, particularly during peak travel periods and holiday weekends when overtaking-related crashes tend to rise. In addition, fixed roadside cameras in some jurisdictions are already equipped to detect dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.
Authorities are also planning education campaigns to remind motorists about the importance of adhering to overtaking signs. The campaigns will emphasise that the rule applies not only to highways but also to urban streets where large vehicles require extra room to turn safely.
Penalty Breakdown
Alongside the $450 fine, drivers who overtake against a sign restriction typically face a minimum of two to three demerit points, depending on the state or territory. Repeat offenders risk licence suspension, particularly if they are provisional drivers or already have points against their record.
Transport officials urged drivers to think twice before attempting risky manoeuvres, stressing that overtaking restrictions are based on road engineering assessments. “Signs are not placed arbitrarily – they reflect conditions where overtaking would put everyone at risk,” one department statement explained.
National Road Safety Push
The enhanced fine aligns with broader efforts to reduce road deaths and serious injuries nationwide. Several states have increased penalties for mobile phone use, speeding, and driving without seatbelts in recent years. The overtaking fine joins this list as part of an overall strategy targeting what road authorities call the “Fatal Five” contributing factors to crashes: speeding, distraction, fatigue, seatbelts, and alcohol or drugs.
