Driving in Victoria comes with responsibilities – and in 2025, traffic fines and demerit points have been updated to keep roads safer. Whether you’re a learner, a full licence holder, or driving a heavy vehicle, knowing the penalties can help you avoid costly mistakes and licence suspensions.
What Are Demerit Points?
Demerit points are penalties recorded on your driving history when you commit certain traffic offences.
- They stay on your record for 3 years
- Range from 1 to 4 points per offence
- Accumulating too many points can lead to licence suspension
- Drivers can check their status through VicRoads’ Driver History service
Speeding Fines in Victoria (2025 Update)
| Offence | Fine (Full Licence) | Demerit Points | Licence Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 10 km/h | $254 | 1 | No |
| 10–24 km/h over | $407 | 3 | No |
| 25–34 km/h over | $560–$661 | 3 | 3 months |
| 35–44 km/h over | $763–$865 | 3–6 | 6 months |
| 45 km/h or more | $1,018 | 4 | 12 months |
Learner Driver Penalties
Learner drivers face stricter rules. Every speeding offence adds both fines and demerit points, and serious violations can trigger automatic licence suspension.
Heavy Vehicle Penalties
Heavy vehicle drivers face tougher fines due to the risks involved:
- Example: $356 fine + 1 demerit point for minor speeding
- Over 45 km/h above limit: $2,300+ fine + 12-month suspension
Other Common Traffic Violations
- Running a red light: $509 fine + 3 demerit points
- Driving an unregistered vehicle: $1,018–$1,832 fine
- Companies failing to nominate a responsible driver: up to $24,421 fine
What Happens After Receiving a Fine?
If you get an infringement notice, you must:
- Pay by the due date or dispute it
- Late payments attract extra fees and penalty reminders
- Ignoring fines may result in a Final Demand Notice and enforcement action by the sheriff
FAQs
1. Do heavy vehicle drivers face higher fines?
Yes, heavy vehicle penalties are stricter due to higher road risks.
2. Can an employer be fined for an employee’s offence?
Yes. If companies don’t identify the driver, they face large fines.
3. How long do demerit points stay on record?
Three years from the date of the offence.
4. Can speeding lead to automatic suspension?
Yes, especially for serious violations (25 km/h+ over the limit).
5. Where can I check my driving record?
You can check via the official VicRoads Driver History service.
Conclusion
Traffic fines and demerit points in Victoria are designed to keep roads safe. By knowing the updated 2025 penalties, drivers can avoid costly mistakes, protect their licence, and drive responsibly. Always follow speed limits, obey traffic signals, and check official updates from Transport Victoria and VicRoads to stay compliant.