Average-Speed Cameras in Australia: Do They Apply to Cars?

Average-speed cameras have been a feature of Australian roads for decades, first introduced in Victoria in 1985. Their purpose is simple: reduce speeding and improve road safety. However, many motorists are unaware that some average-speed cameras do not apply to cars—depending on the state.

Let’s break down how these cameras work, where they are located, and which states enforce them for all vehicles versus only heavy vehicles.

How Do Average-Speed Cameras Work?

Also known as point-to-point cameras, these devices track your speed over a set distance rather than catching you at a single point. Here’s how they operate:

1. Entry Point: When a vehicle passes the first camera, it records the time and number plate.
2. Exit Point: The second camera does the same at the end of the zone.
3. Speed Calculation: The system calculates your average speed between the two points. If you’ve completed the journey too quickly, you’ve exceeded the speed limit.
4. Fine Issued: If detected speeding, the system flags the incident for review and verification, before issuing a fine (if applicable).

Now, let’s explore how different states apply these rules and whether cars are affected.

State-by-State Breakdown

Victoria: Applies to All Vehicles

✅ Enforces average-speed cameras for all vehicles, including cars.

Locations include:

• Hume Freeway
• Peninsula Link

⚠ Important: In Victoria, you can also be fined for entering an average-speed zone at high speed—even if your overall average is legal.

New South Wales: Only Heavy Vehicles (For Now)

🚛 Currently applies only to heavy vehicles.

NSW has 35 average-speed camera locations, but they have historically only been switched on for heavy vehicles.

However, in September 2024, a trial began for light vehicles on these routes:

• Hume Highway (Coolac to Gundagai)
• Pacific Highway (Kew to Lake Innes)

📢 Trial Details:

• Duration: Six months (from September 2024).
• Outcome: Motorists in cars will receive a warning letter, but no fines or demerits during the trial period.
• If successful, average-speed cameras may be activated for all vehicles across NSW.

Queensland: Applies to All Vehicles

✅ Cameras apply to both heavy and light vehicles.

Queensland has 14 fixed average-speed cameras, mainly located between Brisbane, Toowoomba, and the Sunshine Coast.

📍 All zones are clearly signposted, so drivers know when they are being monitored.

Australian Capital Territory: Applies to All Vehicles

✅ Only one point-to-point camera, and it applies to all vehicles.

📍 Location:

• Hindmarsh Drive (between Yamba Drive and Dalrymple Street)

Tasmania: No Active Average-Speed Cameras (Yet)

🚧 Planned trial using mobile speed cameras.

📢 Status:

• Originally planned for late 2024, but no official start date yet.
• Expected to use Tasmania’s 16 mobile speed cameras to test point-to-point enforcement.

South Australia: Applies to All Vehicles

✅ Cameras enforce speed limits for all vehicles.

📍 Eight locations include:

• Port Wakefield Road (Two Wells to Port Wakefield)
• Dukes Highway (Ki Ki to Coonalpyn)
• Victor Harbor Road (McLaren Vale to Willunga)
• Sturt Highway (Wigley Flat to Lowbank)
• South Eastern Freeway (Mount Barker Summit to Callington)
• Northern Expressway (Port Wakefield to Gawler)

⚠ Unclear whether entry speed violations are fined.

Western Australia: Applies to All Vehicles

✅ Cameras monitor all vehicles, including cars.

📍 Locations:

• Forrest Highway (Lake Clifton to Binningup, both directions)

🚨 WA’s Strict Approach:

• You can receive fines for entry and exit speed, not just average speed.
• Police discretion: If speeding violations occur at multiple points, WA Police may issue one or multiple fines based on severity.

Northern Territory: No Average-Speed Cameras

🚫 Currently, there are no average-speed camera locations in NT.

What Does This Mean for Australian Drivers?

• If you’re in Victoria, Queensland, South Australia, ACT, or Western Australia, average-speed cameras apply to all vehicles, including cars.
• If you’re in NSW, they currently only apply to heavy vehicles, but that may change after the trial.
• Tasmania is preparing for a trial, and NT does not use average-speed cameras at all.

🔑 Key Takeaway: Don’t assume all speed cameras in Australia enforce rules for cars. Check your state’s regulations and always drive within the speed limit—especially in monitored zones.

Final Thoughts

As road safety enforcement evolves, more states may expand average-speed camera coverage to all vehicles. If you regularly drive on highways and freeways, it’s important to stay updated on new regulations—especially if you're in NSW or Tasmania, where changes are expected.

Ensure you search the Tynan stock through our link here.

Credit: Drive.com.au