Breaking the law while behind the wheel has just gotten more expensive for millions of Australian motorists. 

A raft of amended driving rules and regulations came into effect on Wednesday, which coincided with the start of a new financial year.

Fines for driving and road offences have increased in almost every state and territory.

Several states have announced a heavy crackdown on dangerous behaviours such as excessive speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Another state will hike fines even higher for overdue infringements.

Here is how the hikes will hit the hip pocket of motorists and where they will pay the biggest price.

New South Wales

Transport for NSW has confirmed that road-related fines increased by 2.65 per cent this week in line with inflation.

Common offences include speeding, running a red light, illegal mobile phone use and not wearing a seatbelt.

Fines for driving and road offences have increased in almost every state and territory on July 1

Road-relating and driving fines in NSW have increased by 2.65 per cent in line with inflation. Pictured is Parramatta Road in Sydney

If you’re caught speeding by 10km/h or less, the $149 fine has increased to $153. It remains one of the lowest penalties in Australia for that offence.

If you forget to put on your seatbelt or are busted using your mobile phone while behind the wheel, the $423 fine is now $434.

Victoria

Infringements for road and driving-related offences increased by 2.75 per cent in Victoria on Wednesday.

The value of a fee unit increased to $17.27, while the value of a penalty unit is now $209.10.

If the radar detects you just over the speed limit, expect a $261 fine in the mail, which is a $7 increase.

Victoria has also overhauled how fines are enforced to recover the full cost of overdue payments.

Infringements that aren’t paid by the first due date now face heftier fines.

The penalty reminder notice fee has risen from $29.20 to $50.40, while the final demand notice climbed from $151.50 to $186.80.

Infringements for road and driving-related offences increased by 2.75 per cent in Victoria

Queensland

The Sunshine State has increased speeding fines by 3.5 per cent, with the value of one penalty unit rising to $172.70.

The fine for speeding by less than 11km has jumped up from $333 to $345.

The Queensland government will crack down further on dangerous driving behaviour under revamped laws announced last week that will come into effect within months.

From December 1, the penalties for drink and drug driving will be doubled, along with minimum court-imposed fines to ensure penalties match the seriousness of offences. 

‘Dangerous drivers and violent offenders are putting lives at risk, and these changes ensure the consequences match that behaviour,’ Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said.

‘By increasing penalties and prioritising victims, these reforms strike the right balance – holding offenders to account while helping prevent the devastating impacts dangerous driving can have on our families and communities.

‘If you knowingly put lives at risk on Queensland roads, expect serious consequences.’

The penalties for drink and drug driving will be doubled in Queensland from December 1

South Australia

The South Australian government has confirmed CPI increases for speeding and drink driving infringements. 

For drivers caught travelling less than 10km/h over the speed limit, the fine has increased to $215 fine a $7 rise.

The speeding fine more than doubles to $485 if detected 10km-20km/h over the limit – a $16 increase.

Cyclists not wearing a helmet will also cop a higher fine of $133.

Drunk drivers who provide a blood alcohol reading of 0.8 or less will be forced to fork out $904, up from $875.

Northern Territory

General road and traffic fines increased by 2.76 per cent this week.

It comes after demerit point penalties for drink and drug driving offences were also increased to six points.

‘This measure is designed to deter repeat offenders and promote greater driver responsibility, contributing to safer roads for all Territorians,’ the NT government announced in May.

ACT and Tasmania

Both states increased the value of penalty units in line with inflation.

Fines for speeding and drink driving infringements have increased in South Australia

Western Australia

Penalties are set by penalty units, currently set at $50 per unit.

The value of the units is not automatically adjusted each financial year but are reviewed regularly.

The WA state government is also considering a raft of reforms for learner and P-plate drivers following community consultation.