Australia has introduced a new traffic law that imposes a $989 fine for certain roadside camera offences. The measure is designed to strengthen road safety enforcement and discourage reckless driving that endangers others on the road.
Stricter Road Camera Penalties Take Effect
Australian motorists are being warned about a significant new traffic offence that carries a hefty $989 penalty. State and territory governments have confirmed that interfering with, obstructing, tampering with or attempting to disable roadside enforcement cameras now attracts one of the highest on-the-spot fines in traffic law.
The updated measure applies nationwide and is aimed at deterring drivers from obstructing speed cameras, red-light cameras, and mobile phone detection cameras. Authorities argue that interference with safety cameras directly undermines public safety, putting lives at risk and encouraging dangerous behaviour.
Why the New Fine Was Introduced
Traffic camera enforcement plays a central role in Australia’s broader road safety strategy. With speeding, mobile phone use, and red-light running continuing to cause thousands of crashes each year, compliance technology is critical to reducing fatalities.
Officials from road safety departments across several states have highlighted that tampering incidents, while not widespread, have been increasing in recent years. Such acts can range from physically damaging camera equipment to more subtle attempts such as blocking lenses, covering cameras, or placing objects to obstruct detection.
The $989 penalty follows recommendations from national road safety working groups that called for harsher consequences to stop individuals from targeting roadside cameras. The fine also reinforces existing criminal offences for damaging government property, which can lead to prosecution and even higher penalties in court.
Public and Community Safety at the Forefront
Authorities have stressed that the measure is not about revenue but prevention. Each time a camera is blocked or disabled, enforcement of dangerous driving behaviour is reduced, meaning offenders escape detection.
Road Safety Victoria spokespersons pointed out that mobile phone camera enforcement, introduced only a few years ago, is already credited with reducing distracted driving crashes. Yet, multiple reports have surfaced of drivers attempting to obscure or vandalise these units.
Community safety groups have backed the new $989 fine, stating that it underlines the seriousness of obstructing safety technology. “Every life lost to road crashes is avoidable. If someone prevents a camera from doing its job, they are endangering the broader community,” one spokesperson said.
State Enforcement and Demerit Point Penalties
While the $989 fine is now standardised, enforcement may differ slightly between jurisdictions. In New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria, interfering with traffic cameras also attracts demerit points alongside the fine. This means drivers could risk licence suspension if repeat offences are recorded.
Other states, such as South Australia and Western Australia, are considering additional criminal liability for deliberate damage to government-owned safety equipment. Legal experts have noted that offenders may face prosecution for property damage or criminal mischief, which can result in fines well beyond the immediate $989 on-the-spot penalty.
Broader Road Safety Push
The introduction of this penalty comes at a time when road deaths in Australia have risen for a second consecutive year. The national road toll has highlighted challenges in meeting Towards Zero targets, which aim to drastically cut serious injuries and fatalities by the end of the decade.
Governments have been stepping up enforcement in 2025, with increased speed checks, stricter mobile phone detection efforts, and tougher drink-driving penalties. The new $989 camera interference offence adds another layer to these road safety measures.
Officials say that drivers should view the measure as part of a larger cultural shift. Instead of focusing on avoiding fines, motorists are being urged to see compliance as contributing directly to community safety.
What Drivers Need to Know
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Penalty Amount | $989 fine applies for obstructing, damaging, tampering with, or attempting to disable a roadside traffic enforcement camera. |
| Demerit Points | Additional demerit points may be issued depending on state or territory laws. |
| Further Charges | Extra charges can be laid if deliberate property damage or criminal conduct is proven. |
| Attempted Offence | Even an attempt to interfere with a camera can trigger the $989 fine, not just successful interference. |
For drivers across Australia, the message is clear: interfering with traffic enforcement cameras will not be tolerated. By setting the penalty at $989, authorities are sending a strong warning that any attempt to undermine road safety technology carries serious legal and financial consequences.
With cameras playing a vital role in preventing crashes and saving lives, the new offence serves as one of the strongest deterrents yet in Australia’s road safety framework.
