Australia has implemented sweeping new changes to its road laws that will take effect mid-2025. These changes include higher fines for the use of a mobile phone while driving, the use of average speed cameras to track and monitor passenger vehicles, and the reduction of speed limits to certain urban areas with a higher volume of foot traffic. All states have pledged to stricter enforcement aimed at lowering the number of deaths. In a few areas, fines have been raised by 3.2% to 4% and more. This effort is one of a kind and focuses on all drivers on Australian roads.
NEW ZEALAND DRIVERS IN AUSTRALIA
New zealand drivers don’t have to deal with the newly legislated 2025 traffic laws for a formal separated blacklist. New zealand drivers, like all foreign nationals, are able to to drive in Australia for the first 12 months of their stay with no need for additional permits, however, this varies by state. Although there are some differences in road rules and signs between states of Australia, new zealanders are treated as foreign nationals and are required to follow the law, even the updated laws on the use of mobile phones while driving and other speed law changes.
No Blacklist Announced
Thorough research yields no corroborated or authoritative announcements of a New Zealand driver’s blacklist in Australia in 2025. Authorities maintain restrictions are safety neutral to all drivers irrespective of their nationality. Reports or rumors of a blacklist may be a misinterpretation of policy enforcement activities or changes in licensing, but no blacklist has been reported by standardized government or online transport data.
Focused Safety Measures Influence All Drivers
Central to Australia’s legislation is the eradication of distractions while driving. The use of smartwatches as well as dashboard screens are now prohibited while driving. Speed limits in busy cities as well as in school zones have been lowered. For persistent offenders, hefty fines, demerit points, and possible disqualification are standard. These policies demonstrate a safety ethos that is geographical neutral to all persons managing a vehicle in Australia.
Cross-Tasman Driving Similarities and Differences
It is a common practice in both countries and appreciate driving on the left-hand side, but there are both common and unique characteristics, such as giving way to the right and rest. Road signs and enforcement are two major differences. For example, New Zealand does not have some camera sign warning systems that Australia does have. Also, as with other types of car insurance, the two countries have have different insurance policies. Drivers in New Zealand are free to cross the Tasman Sea, but the absence of a ‘blacklist’ of New Zealand driving licenses has relevance to other factors New Zealand drivers are free to cross the Tasman Sea, and New Zealand driving licenses with respect to, ‘blacklist’ have to do with Australia.
Government and Industry Perspectives
All state and territory transport agencies in Australia have told the National Road Safety Strategy that there is an urgent road safety need. All attempts to address this strategy have proven its effectiveness in relation to roads that need work. Road safety on Australian roads is of high priority, and the Australian Automobile Association has confirmed the road safety strategy is effective. The Association has to some extent resisted public pressure to its claims, in particular where fines and ‘big brother’ policies are concerned. The onus is on every driver, particularly those driving on ‘borrowed’ licenses from New Zealand and other countries, to comply with the legislation safeguards in the road safety on Australian roads to save lives.
No Blacklist, Just Stricter Laws
As we have noted, the traffic laws set for Australia in 2025 will apply to New Zealand drivers as well, assuming tougher restrictions will be placed for their benefit as well. However, New Zealand drivers will not be exculpated, as focus will remain on uniform enforcement to protect road users of all nationalities. Completing New Zealand’s obligations under these laws will not only improve safety records, but will also save the drivers penalties.