Caught Speeding 45km/h Over the Limit $1,000 Fine for Extreme Speeding — Starting October 2025

Melbourne’s roads are about to get a lot less forgiving for lead-foot drivers. From October 2025, Victorians caught driving more than 45km/h over the speed limit will face a $1,000 fine—plus demerit points, a likely licence suspension, and possibly a court summons. The Victorian Government says this steep new penalty isn’t about revenue—it’s about saving lives.

Why Victoria Is Cracking Down

Speeding isn’t new, but the consequences are getting worse. According to Victoria Police and the TAC, excessive speed remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes. In 2024 alone, over 40% of deadly collisions in Victoria involved vehicles travelling above the limit, many in suburban and regional areas.

Road safety experts say the difference between a close call and a catastrophe often comes down to just 10–20km/h. So imagine what happens at 45km/h over. At that point, your stopping distance doubles, your control plummets, and your car becomes a 1.5-tonne projectile.

Authorities say the new $1,000 penalty is part of a “zero tolerance” campaign to deter reckless speeding before it kills.

“We’re done calling high-range speeding a ‘mistake,’” said Victorian Roads Minister Melissa Horne. “It’s a choice—and a deadly one.”

The New Penalty: What Happens If You’re Caught

There’s no sugar-coating it—if you’re caught flying down a Melbourne road 45km/h above the limit, the punishment is immediate and painful.

Offense	Penalty (as of October 2025)
Exceeding the speed limit by 45km/h or more	$1,000 fine
Demerit points	Up to 8 points
Licence impact	Immediate suspension or cancellation possible
Additional penalties	Court appearance for extreme or repeat offences

Police can issue on-the-spot suspensions for drivers who exceed the limit by 45km/h or more, meaning you could lose your licence instantly.

And yes — the rule applies everywhere. Whether it’s a 110km/h freeway or a 60km/h suburban road, once you hit that 45km/h threshold, you’re officially in the “dangerous driving” category.

Example:

• Speed limit: 60 km/h
• Your speed: 105 km/h → You’re 45 km/h over → Automatic $1,000 fine and suspension risk

How Melbourne Stacks Up Against Other States

Victoria’s new law aligns it with tougher interstate regimes already in force.

State	Excess Speed (km/h)	Maximum Fine (AUD)	Licence Action
Victoria	45+	$1,000	Suspension or cancellation
New South Wales	45+	$2,384	6-month suspension
Queensland	40+	$1,780	6-month suspension
South Australia	45+	$1,178	6-month suspension
Western Australia	45+	$1,000+	Licence disqualification

By matching other states, Victoria is ensuring drivers can’t “jurisdiction hop” to avoid penalties. The message is the same nationwide: extreme speed equals extreme consequences.

It’s Not About Money — It’s About Lives

Critics say $1,000 feels excessive, especially during a cost-of-living crunch. But the state argues that deterrence only works if the penalty hurts enough to change behaviour.

In 2024, speeding contributed to one in three road deaths across Victoria. Each fatal crash costs the community an estimated $5.5 million in emergency response, medical care, and lost productivity. The $1,000 fine barely scratches that surface.

“No one’s forcing you to pay it,” says Road Safety Victoria spokesperson Danielle King. “Just don’t speed that fast, and you’ll never have to.”

Road Safety and Culture Shift

The broader goal is culture change. Melbourne’s driving culture has long been defined by impatience—late-night hoons, highway racers, and everyday drivers pushing “just a little bit faster.” But research shows the faster you go, the harder it is to recover from even small mistakes.

Here’s the science behind it:

Speed Over Limit	Crash Survival Probability
10km/h	90%
20km/h	70%
30km/h	50%
45km/h+	Less than 20%

At 45km/h above the limit, you’re essentially rolling the dice on physics—and physics always wins.

Enforcement and Detection

Victoria Police will enforce the new penalties using:

• Fixed and mobile speed cameras (upgraded in 2025 with real-time GPS calibration)
• Unmarked patrol vehicles on highways and suburban roads
• Operation Arid—a targeted campaign in regional crash hotspots

And if you think you can talk your way out of it, think again. Extreme speeding cases are classified under “Category 3” offences, meaning appeals are rare unless technical errors are proven.

Public Reaction

The reaction across Melbourne has been mixed.

• Supporters — Many welcome the tougher stance, especially families of crash victims who’ve long argued fines were too lenient.
• Critics — Some claim it’s another “revenue raiser” disguised as safety reform, pointing to the cost-of-living crisis.
• Young drivers — Car clubs and enthusiasts worry it will unfairly target modified vehicles, even if owners drive responsibly.

But public sentiment appears to lean in favour. A 2025 VicRoads survey found 73% of Victorians support harsher penalties for high-range speeding.

What Drivers Should Do

If this law makes you rethink your driving habits—that’s exactly the point.

Here’s how to stay safe (and fine-free):

• Know your limits: Pay attention to changing speed zones, especially near schools or construction areas.
• Leave earlier: Rushing is the biggest trigger for speeding.
• Use your car’s limiter or cruise control: Set it a few km/h below the limit if you’re prone to drifting over.
• Watch freeway exits: Many high-range offences happen when drivers forget to slow down off high-speed roads.
• Remember: 45km/h over = automatic suspension.

Final Take

Victoria’s new $1,000 speeding fine is a blunt but powerful reminder that reckless driving isn’t worth it. You might save a few minutes, but you’ll risk thousands of dollars, your licence, and potentially someone’s life.

As Melbourne’s roads get busier and faster, the government is drawing a hard line: speed limits are not suggestions—they’re survival tools.

So next time the needle climbs a little too high, remember—$1,000 buys a lot of things, but not a second chance.

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