In October 2025, the driving law in Australia has been stricter with the government warning motorists against eating, drinking or smoking behind the wheel as it may attract a significant fine or loss of licence. Whilst such activities are no longer actively criminal, the government has come to consider them a serious distraction, and policing has become much tougher in all states.
Key Fine Information
| Offence | Penalty ($) | Points/Suspension |
|---|---|---|
| Eating/Drinking/Smoking | $561 | Up to 3 demerit points |
| Drink-driving (BAC >0.05%) | $980 | Suspension, repeat: higher fines |
Higher laws about the distracting effects of driving.
Since 1 October 2025, Australian police can impose a fine on any driver discovered eating, drinking (including non-alcoholic beverages), or smoking, when driving, and is unable to operate the vehicle under full control. This is categorized as careless or negligent driving and this can attract a penalty. New legislations permit officers to act at their own will, and thus, anything that causes distraction to safe driving such as food, drinks and cigarettes can result in fines of up to 561 dollars and loss of merits points [4][5][3].
Penalties and Enforcement
The fines imposed on distracted driving as a result of eating, drinking, or smoking are between 275-561 dollars depending on the degree of the offence and the state. Demerit points can also be used and repeat offenders face the risk of being suspended or even losing their licence on a longer term basis. As road safety has become more of a concern, police have also conducted more roadside checks in order to crack down on such distractions.
New Rules on Drink-Driving
A penalty of drink-driving is also introduced in October 2025 (980) and a heavy fine and possible suspension of the licence is meted out on first-time offenders and those who violate the law repeatedly. The legal alcohol limit is still 0.05 percent in the majority of cases and the law is very easy to increase the punishment with increasing rates or recidivism, which supports the concept of zero tolerance towards the impaired driving.
Broader Road Safety Focus
In addition to the distracted driving regulations, the authorities have increased the punishments of speeding, unrestrict passengers, and failure to adhere to the baby seat rules. The elderly drivers are now required to have health exams in order to renew their licences and holiday speeding fines have been doubled. The uniform objective is to avoid accident that is occasioned by distraction, impairment, or health complications.
What Drivers Should Do
To avoid being distracted and fined, drivers have been encouraged to take their time, have meals or have a glass of water, and never smoke in the car. The government is promoting the use of a non-driving driver or using a public transport to avoid strict penalties imposed by the new legislation. Even simple snacks or sips would now be hitting the wallets of motorists with the increased enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Do you think it is now against the law to eat when driving in Australia?
A: It is not unlawful directly, but the police can impose fines upon those drivers that fail to maintain full control when distracted by some food or drink.
Q2: What is the fines of smoking or drinking coffee whilst driving?
A: The common fine is 561.00 on careless or negligent driving of up to 3 demerit points.
Q3: What is the time of effective implementation of new fines based on drinking and driving?
A: The fine of 980 and stiffer penalties apply to the whole country starting 1 October 2025.
Drivers are encouraged to learn as early as possible these laws in order to pay the fines and enable the nation of Australia to achieve the greater objective of ensuring road safety among the population.
