Not only can speeding be extremely dangerous, some speeding fines in NSW can cost motorists upwards of $2,000 – which means travelling over the posted speed limit could also impact you financially.1
“Speeding is the biggest contributor to deaths on NSW roads, contributing to around 41% of road fatalities and 24% of serious injuries – that’s around 135 deaths and more than 1,141 serious injuries each year,” says a Transport for NSW spokesperson.2
“There’s no such thing as safe speeding. Speed limits are in place for a reason and should never be exceeded. Even a small difference in vehicle speed can make a large difference to the likelihood of death or serious injury.”
In this article, we’ll explore what NSW speeding fines cost, associated demerit points and how to request a fine reduction or review.
How is speeding detected in NSW?
In NSW, you could be caught speeding by fixed or mobile speed cameras, or by NSW Police.1
If you're caught speeding by a fixed or mobile speed camera, the camera should clearly show the colour, type, make and number plate of your vehicle, as well as other details such as the date and time of the offence, and the speed at which you were travelling.1
How much are speeding fines in NSW?
Each state and territory in Australia has a different framework for speeding fines based on the number of kilometres you were driving over the posted speed limit.
The guide to speeding fines and penalties below is applicable in NSW only, and may be different to those issued in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania, Australian Capital Territory and Northern Territory.
Demerit points3 can also be applied as a penalty in NSW – including double demerits,4 which come into effect during certain holiday periods in the state.
In NSW, your demerit point limit depends on what type of licence or learner permit you have:3
- Unrestricted licence – 13 points
- Professional drivers – 14 points
- Provisional P2 licence – 7 points
- Provisional P1 licence – 4 points
- Learner licence – 4 points
- Unrestricted licence during a good behaviour period – 2 points3
These demerit points stay active on your licence for a three-year period, starting from the date of the offence. After three years, they won’t be counted as active on your licence, and won’t accumulate with any new demerit points you earn. However, all demerit points you receive stay on your driving record.3
You can check your demerit points online to see if you have any active on your licence.5
In the table below, we’ve broken down some of the penalties for certain speeding offences in NSW, based on penalty amounts for Class A motor vehicles.6 Note that penalties vary depending on licence type or any conditions attached to your licence.
| Offence | Fine | Demerit points/ suspension |
| Exceed speed by 10 km/h and under | $137 | 1 (4 points for Learner/Provisional licence holders) |
| Exceed speed by 10 km/h and under in a school zone | $225 | 2 (5 points for Learner/Provisional licence holders) |
| Exceed speed by more than 10 km/h | $316 | 3 (4 points for Learner/Provisional licence holders) |
| Exceed speed by more than 10 km/h in a school zone | $405 | 4 (5 points for Learner/Provisional licence holders) |
| Exceed speed by more than 20km/h | $542 | 4 points |
| Exceed speed by more than 20km/h in a school zone | $675 | 5 points |
| Exceed speed by more than 30km/h | $1,036 | 5 points |
| Exceed speed by more than 30km/h in a school zone | $1,307 | 6 points |
| Exceed speed by more than 45km/h | $2,794 | 6 points |
| Exceed speed by more than 45 km/h in a school zone | $2,967 | 7 points |
You can find a full list of speeding offences and penalties in NSW here.6
Are there different levels of fines for speeding in NSW?
Yes, if you’re convicted of a serious speeding offence you may face heavy penalties.1 Serious speeding offences in NSW include:
- driving more than 45km/h above the speed limit
- driving more than 30km/h but not more than 45km/h above the speed limit
- driving with a licence disqualification or suspension and exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h.1
For serious speeding offences, you may have your licence suspended or disqualified for a period of time. NSW Police can issue a licence suspension at the roadside if you’re caught speeding by more than 45km/h over the speed limit. Police also have the right to impound your vehicle or confiscate your vehicle's number plates.1
Can I appeal speeding fines in NSW?
You can request a review of a fine (fine notice, fine reminder notice or overdue fine) if:
- you believe a mistake has been made, or
- there were special circumstances that led to the offence.7
The outcome of the review could be the fine is to stand, you being let off with a caution or the fine being cancelled.7 If the review is unsuccessful, you can apply to go to court for a fine.8
If you’ve had your driver's licence for more than 10 years and have a clear driving record, you may be eligible for a caution for some offences. If you’re eligible, a caution should automatically be applied during the review process. Cautions don’t apply for serious offences.7
While penalties for speeding are designed to help keep you safer on the roads, Youi is on hand to help cover your car. You might like to explore our range of car insurance options and consider if they could be right for you.
Information correct as of November 2023 and by its nature will change over time. Check relevant government websites for updates if this information is important to you.
1 Source: NSW Government – Speeding offences and penalties
2 Information provided by Transport for NSW, November 2023.
3 Source: NSW Government – How demerit points work
4 Source: NSW Government – Demerit points
5 Source: NSW Government – Check your demerit points
6 Source: NSW Government – Search offences and penalties
7 Source: NSW Government – Request a review for a fine
8 Source: NSW Government – Apply to go to court for a fine
